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Too often in life, people and memorable events are forgotten, and once they are gone our society loses a valuable part of who we were and why we are . My memories of these unforgettable individuals and the musical experiences they created shaped my outlook on life and therefore, my purpose in "A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona" is to give these individuals and their musical contributions, many whom I knew or knew of, a place where future generations can view, can read about, and contemplate through a small window into the past---how it was.
After a brief summer break, and some technical issues, it is time to start anew with a continued desire to recognize those individuals, in my experience, who made a difference musically and highlight musical events in our great State of Arizona as indicated in previous blogs. This blog, however, starts with a picture that really is for the ages (courtesy of Snoody Holland, Bisbee Alumni) and one which sets the tone for the upcoming football season featuring bands, an integral element of the All-American spectacle.
This picture shows the Bisbee High School Drum and Bugle Corps in or about 1909 or 1910 announcing the Bisbee-Clifton football game on a Friday. At this time, it was predominately a male-dominated group, but eventually, as we now know and as mentioned in one of our earlier blogs, (courtesy of Bisbee High School Cuprite) Bisbee High School did have a female drum and bugle corps under Mr. Reppe's directions in the 1940's. It was a very successful and well-received group with many performances not only in Arizona but in the Southwest like El Paso, Texas at the Sun Bowl. Incidentally, drum and bugle corps groups are an interesting musical topic, and therefore, one that will be explored and featured in one of my later blogs.
James "Woody" Woodmansee Part Two
So we continue with the tenure of Mr. James Woodmansee, Bisbee High School band director who took over in 1951 relating many of those Band activities and performances that set the standard for Band and Musical Performance excellence at the high school level as his predecessor, Mr. Reppe, had done earlier.
James A. Woodmansee
Bisbee High School Band Director
Mr. Woodmansee aka "Woody" brought a new sense of musical performance to the Bisbee area starting in the early 50's, and from my perspective, I believe that "Woody" brought a type of Big Ten band performance that was popular at that time, and was just right for the hustle and bustle of a growing Bisbee area. His style of music leadership demanded the Band to become flexible and versatile allowing the talents of his young charges to shine during these musical presentations. "Woody" prepared his students to become leaders by giving them responsibilities throughout the band organization that would prepare them for life's real challenges.
The Bisbee High School Band performed for just about everything that required need for some type of music support whether it was in the school district or in the community or in the area. In 1954, the Band strutted out in their new band uniforms and they started to travel all over Arizona, and played in playing frequently in Tucson for events like the Tucson Rodeo Parade, and traveled into Mexico playing for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Ambos Nogales, Sonora and Arizona, and also for Good Neighbor festivities at what is known as the Coronado National Monument* in the area now familiarly referred to as Hereford. In later years, the Band would travel and perform at the Grand Canyon and sites near Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.
*Eventually the Good Neighbor celebration would become the celebration of the Coronado Expedition and the Coronado National Monument would have yearly festivals--at some time we will write more about these annual celebrations in a later blog.
The Bisbee High School Band also performed for the opening of the Lavender Pit operations which was attended by dignitaries from all over the area. One of the musical numbers that the Band played on that day was a song titled "Happy Days Are Here Again". I still remember because it was my good fortune to have played with this great musical organization at this time even though I was in Junior High, and later, I continued to play in Band during my high school career.
Prior to the Mule Mountain Tunnel, anyone wishing to go to Tucson would have to travel over the Divide, as it was aptly called, or rather the road over the hill which was, and still is, a winding road that demanded exactness on the part of the driver. Yes, even Greyhound had to use this road in order to provide transportation service to Bisbee. In addition, the Bisbee High School Band performed for the grand opening of the Mule Mountain Tunnel. On one end of the tunnel was the 36th U.S. Army Band from Ft. Huachuca, and on the Bisbee side of the tunnel, the Bisbee High School Band played from their musical repertoire. I can still remember that day because, again, I had the good fortune to play with the high school musical group, and like the Lavender Pit ceremony, the Tunnel was an unforgettable time etched in my memory.
Later, we will showcase other musical experiences that Mr. Woodmansee provided his Band students during this time.
Bisbee High School Band
1955
In the last blog, the Bisbee High School Band Hall of Fame was featured, and some of the honorees were identified. Now, we will present some more students who became members of this select group of student leaders.
BISBEE HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HALL OF FAME
1954
Social Manager, oboist and vocal soloist. Dixie gave BHS its alma mater.* A great amount of talent, an excellent band member and a wonderful girl. Always willing to lend her talents toward a job well done. Ability, Responsibility and Courage. *At sometime, we hope to share the Alma Mater with readers.
1956
In the field of music he is considered a "natural". Not only good musically, but along with this he has a wonderful attitude coupled with the expenditure of a great deal of effort. Drum Major for two years, outstanding oboe player, doubled on most other instruments, played piano well and demonstrated a fine singing voice. A tremendous help to the band during his four year membership.
Dorothy Lopez
1954
Solo French Horn. In the development of the horn section, Dorothy set the pace. She played horn solos and had the 1st part in the horn quartette. Her greatest contribution to the band was this demonstration that regardless of this difficulty the music was always played well . . .
Katherine Vukovich
1954
President and bassoonist. A fine leader of the the group. Morale was high, behavior was tops and much was accomplished. Kathy became a bassoon soloist in one year. A forceful, dynamic personality combined with. . . . . .
President and bassoonist. A fine leader of the the group. Morale was high, behavior was tops and much was accomplished. Kathy became a bassoon soloist in one year. A forceful, dynamic personality combined with. . . . . .
Charles "Chuck" Tuell
1956Chuck was the Band President was well as
Class President, and was involved in activities like
Band Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, Vocal Group, Dance
Band, Pep Band and Boys Glee.
(Pictures courtesy of Bisbee High School Cuprite Yearbook)
Final Comment
Both Mr. Reppe and Mr. Woodmansee set a very high bar for musical excellence on their musical organizations. I can attest to this personally because as stated above, I played with Mr. Woodmansee's bands and the music literature they played would be challenging for many college bands today. That is my belief, but again, their theme was to "perform it to the best of their ability" and there were many talented individuals and much participation.
On the next blog, we will wind up Part Three of the Woodmansee era, and focus on dance bands and other performances by the Bisbee High School Band. This blog will lead us to an international take on musical groups and there will be many interesting facets on this discussion.
So, as my favorite piano tuner once said, "by all means, stay tuned"
Phillip A. Hirales aka Felipe A. Hirales
"A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona
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