As a tuba player myself, I had the great honor of being conducted by Dr. Fennell in Chicago, IL at a Tuba Christmas performance outside the Wrigley building in 1983 (at least I think it was 1983). He was joined by Tuba Christmas founder Harvey Phillips. What a joyous experience that was for me, for all of us, collegiate tubists at the time.
May perpetual light shine on him. May he rest in peace.
Another Tuba and euphonium player here. I also participated in a couple 'Tuba Christmas' gatherings in Chicago.
While in the 74th Army band at Ft Benjamin Harrison in, I got a chance to meet and talk to The Great Bill Bell at Indiana University.