Phillip Hirales
I have not published a blog recently and that has been due to family activities and my involvement in some manner. So, I wish to apologize for that but sometimes it is good to regroup and sort out some of the events that have surrounded me and in which I have contributed something musically. Recently that seems to be my calling in regards to my musical experiences because sometimes a relative or friend requests my musical participation, and that has been the case in the last two church events that I had the fortune to attend. So even though "A Trumpet Over Arizona" is mostly about honoring musicians, music teachers, and musical events that occurred in my life years ago, I also believe that it is essential to document some of my current musical involvements because first of all, I still enjoy performing at my musical craft and giving enjoyment to many, and second, hopefully in the future, it will provide a window into how things were now for the new music aficionados in generations to come. We can only imagine how things will be in the future especially in the music arena.
As always, I encourage educators to use "A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona" for their classroom activities or for discussions or themes relating to music, history, Arizona, Bisbee, Southwest, and northern Mexico and culture because in reality, many of the discussions or facts or stories presented in these blogs reflect these varied themes and hopefully shed light in some manner that will assist aspiring musicians, cultural aficionados, and individuals desiring to find how it was then and how it impacted things now. And that is the reason why this blog as in my previous blogs is titled "A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona"; that is, because it not only is about Bisbee but also, about Arizona and the Southwest areas. I might even add that roads lead outwards to the world as well, and as I told many students in my Music Appreciation classes, "When you study history about yourself, you discover how international you are--your music and your culture reveals many, many facets about you as an individual." "Be proud of who you are".
La Quincieniera
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in several quincienieras, a birthday celebration which is known in Spanish as LasQuincieniera, a gala event celebrated by young Hispanic girls to mark that time indicating she has blossomed into a young lady. Some historians claim that the Spaniards brought this ceremony to the New World while others state that the Aztecs were responsible for this traditional Hispanic to mark this significant rite of passage for young girls in their lives. There is a mass ceremony, a dinner-dance and other traditional activities, and my musical involvement was to play the "Ave Maria" at the church during the Mass for both quincienieras, one in Sierra Vista and the other one in Bisbee. Usually, the Ave Maria is really only played for a wedding ceremony but I was requested to play this religious selection so I played it. In one quincieniera I played it on the trumpet but at the other one I played it on the soprano saxophone. The soprano sax came to the forefront and made popular by Kenny G, a sax master who has reached extraordinary heights in his performances on the soprano saxophone unmatched by anyone on the planet. It has a beautiful melancholy sound that take listeners to levels close to heaven as mentioned by many. So, I played the Ave Maria on the soprano and I didn't have to worry about building up my lips or "my chops" as many horn players call them in order to play it comfortably because the reed in the instrument creates the sound. On one other musical fact, it should be noted that there are two Ave Marias, one written by Schubert and the other by Bach-Gounod, and the one that is most often heard in ecclasiastical settings is the one by Schubert. I hope to play the other one at sometime because it is very melodic and classical and it deserves to be heard in a church setting.
Quincienieras are very well-planned events that often times become very expensive that every Hispanic girl hopes to have, unlike the "sweet sixteen" parties in the 50's when I was growing up, I remember my older sister's birthday party when we lived up the Gulch at the bottom of Youngblood Hill. In our old garage located on a lot below our house, my sister celebrated her "sweet sixteen" party complete with a small turntable playing 45's with sounds like Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon, and other Do-Wap sounds while kids in their penny-loafers, their greasy hair-dos, big skirts, and pony-tails danced before taking a break, running up the stairs leading to our house at the bottom of YoungBlood Hill. In the kitchen, party-goers indulged in snacks and refreshments that my mother had provided. Aha! But my mother wanting to liven up the party so that the kids would have a good time thought that she would really make the kids happy, so in the punch bowl, she decided to really make everyone have a better time and she pulled out some "hootch", or "pulque" or whatever, and I don't know what it actually was, but I believe it was a bottle of tequila or maybe mescal and she poured a generous portion into the bowl. And now you could see the kids, especially the boys, run up and down the stairs leading to the kitchen where they were drinking up that punch like it was the last punch they would ever see. And that is the last time I ever heard anymore about it but I am sure that somewhere, someone was asking what happened, especially the boys. Those were the days up the Gulch.
In the picture below, there is snow, and much is to be said for anyone trying to navigate up Young Blood Hill during winter because they were either adventuresome or crazy. And my mother was a well-known lady in this neighborhood, and so when "los hippies" moved into this barrio right after the mines shut down, she was a revered individual as "los hippies" received her infamous "Bendicion Senor", and then, they bowed in a respectful, pious manner to show their acknowledgement of Mrs. Hirales. But as you can see in the pictures of our house, there was a porch area and a wall that enclosed a small yard, and these had ledges that contained rocks in containers suited to serve as projectiles for any dog, cat, or any other mongrel that came near, and like a warrior protecting the castle, my mom threw these rocks to protect what was ours. So, if you didn't receive the "Bendicion" and a little acknowledgement to the lady at 203A Young Blood Hill, you could be the target of a relentless attack. That's the way it was up the Gulch.
In the picture below, there is plenty of snow on the Hirales house, and in the upper left one can see a sign that says "Historic Muheim House". My mother worked for the Muheims during the Depression days as a household worker and cook, and according to her, would provide for our family since my father was not working in these difficult times. Later, as a young boy, I would look back to my house, look at the porch, and before I walked around the curve, by the Soriano and Castellanos house, I would see my father relaxing in the corner of the porch most of the time.
My mother, being from Sonora, MX, had many friends and some relatives living in Naco and one time, my mother took in a big parrot who belonged to one of her friends. The friend had to leave town for awhile and so my mother agreed to babysit this bird who went by the name "El Capitan". My father would set "El Capitain's" cage on the porch when the weather was fair, and often, he would sit outside in the front porch area where he could see a lot of the upper gulch. "El Capitan loved to whistle and many times, as kids were going to school, "El Capitain" whistled like boys would whistle at girls. One day, there was a young girl who was going by our house, and "El Capitain" did his thing and whistled. This young girl turned around quickly and staring at my father sitting quietly in the corner of the porch as he would often do. pointed a finger at him. Then she said loudly in no uncertain terms, "Heeey, I see you". "No, no, nooo." Needless to say, my father was not amused, and I believe the parrot went back into the house in "a time-out". So much for being a bird up the Gulch in those days.
In the picture below, there is plenty of snow on the Hirales house, and in the upper left one can see a sign that says "Historic Muheim House". My mother worked for the Muheims during the Depression days as a household worker and cook, and according to her, would provide for our family since my father was not working in these difficult times. Later, as a young boy, I would look back to my house, look at the porch, and before I walked around the curve, by the Soriano and Castellanos house, I would see my father relaxing in the corner of the porch most of the time.
My mother, being from Sonora, MX, had many friends and some relatives living in Naco and one time, my mother took in a big parrot who belonged to one of her friends. The friend had to leave town for awhile and so my mother agreed to babysit this bird who went by the name "El Capitan". My father would set "El Capitain's" cage on the porch when the weather was fair, and often, he would sit outside in the front porch area where he could see a lot of the upper gulch. "El Capitan loved to whistle and many times, as kids were going to school, "El Capitain" whistled like boys would whistle at girls. One day, there was a young girl who was going by our house, and "El Capitain" did his thing and whistled. This young girl turned around quickly and staring at my father sitting quietly in the corner of the porch as he would often do. pointed a finger at him. Then she said loudly in no uncertain terms, "Heeey, I see you". "No, no, nooo." Needless to say, my father was not amused, and I believe the parrot went back into the house in "a time-out". So much for being a bird up the Gulch in those days.
The Hirales House
Brewery Gulch at the bottom of Young Blood Hill
Bisbee, Arizona
In the 20th Century, the organized music group known as the big band era began with the likes of Walt Witman and Bennie Goodman in the 1920's and renowned groups like the Tommy Dorsey and Jimmie Dorsey Bands, and then there was the sound of the Glen Miller Band in the 1940's and others that followed. These groups set the model for music that still rings out with popular musicians and vocalists today who emulate in their musical apex the high point of their music career by the sounds originated through the medium of the big bands.
Bisbee always had everything that a person might need for whatever, and it was always a great experience to be greeted by someone in the store who knew you, or even if they did not know you would always make a cordial comment welcoming their customers. Our young people should be taught how to make that so-important personal contact when dealing with the public because it is so import. In Bisbee, personal contact and community service were always an integral part of a small business, and my first work experience working in a small business taught me these and many other values. Such was the philosophy and modus operandi of The Music Box, an icon in the Bisbee community for many years, and for me, it provided me with the foundation and knowledge that would be so important for many of my later challenges in life.
The Music Box
So in the early 50's, there was a young couple who started a music store in Bisbee, and they were from Michigan--Norman and Mary Dart who started their little business on Main Street in what is known as Old Bisbee just below what was the J.C. Penny Store on that side of the street. Their store was small but well-stocked with sheet music, musical instruments and accessories that provided locals with a substantial musical ,choice, and since Bisbee was the center of the Cochise County shopping area, it became the place for performing musicians as well as beginning young musicians to visit. Eventually, the Darts decided they needed more room for their ever-expanding product line that would now include TVs, and pianos so they moved their store to the location that had housed the Safeway Store. Later, they would hire a talented piano technician from New York by the name of Eddie Oliver who would tune and service all of the pianos sold by The Music Box, and sell pianos they did. Bisbee was the business center for Cochise County, and The Music Box was the premier music store in Southeastern Arizona, and Northern Sonora, MX, and if you were a musician at that time, you would go to the Music Box to buy what you needed for your performance. The Music Box also always provided support to the schools, and the Fort Huachuca community including the Army Band, and if there was a piano in the facility, Eddie Oliver would tune it.
Norman and Mary were dedicated to the Bisbee community by being always involved in community events providing support for the schools, the hospital, and other local groups year after year. They were great supporters of the Copper Queen Hospital, and donated a parcel of land by the Don Luis area of Bisbee for a community park. Norman and Mary were superb community citizens, and I learned much from these wonderful human beings.
Music Box Wall Advertisement
This wall advertisement indicated where The Music Box was located which is in the present art gallery below the Grand Hotel and Bar. However, the original Music Box was located in a smaller store location further down main street, and later, of course, outgrew this location. To me, it represents a time not so long ago when Bisbee was Bisbee. Shortly before I left The Music Box in 1966, and as rumors of the mine closure swirled through town, I asked Norman what he thought would be the future of Bisbee. Norman turned to me and stated in his no-nonsense style of conversation and said, "Phillip, there always will be a Bisbee." And he was right. I have never forgotten Norman and Mary Dart for they were truly Bisbee people who loved their community and the people they served.
Richard Garcia
In keeping with "A Trumpet Over Arizona", and those topics and individuals that remain part of our being and our own personal involvement, we would like to honor Richard Garcia, a young man born in Bisbee, attended schools in Bisbee and who graduated from Bisbee High School in 1978. While attending Bisbee High School, he was very active in many activities including Band and served in many leadership roles including Student Body President.
Bisbee High School Band
1977-1978
Bisbee High School Cuprite--Anna Garcia Collection
As a Bisbee High School band member, he became Drum Major and was selected to be part of the All-Arizona Centennial Band which performed in Washington, D.C. for the National Centennial celebration.Bisbee High School Cuprite--Anna Garcia Collection
All-Arizona High School Centennial Band Washington D.C.
Anna Garcia Personal Collection
After graduation from Bisbee High School, Richard enrolled at the University of Arizona and continued with his involvement in music as a member of the University of Arizona Wildcat Band as well as a student leader in various school activities and clubs. The highlight of Richard's student experience was his election to the position of University of Arizona Student Body President. After graduating from the University, he served as a recruiter and alumni coordinator in California. Richard was also very involved with James McNulty, a popular local candidate who was running for U.S. Senator. The University Alumni Association dedicated the first annual Tour of the Tucson Mountains in his honor and for his many contributions to the University, and established the Richard Garcia Memorial Scholarship in his memory.
Richard Garcia
1960-1986
Anna Garcia Personal Collection
Musical Moments from the Bisbee Mining Museum
As I spend time in the Bisbee Mining Museum Research Library assisting individuals who come into the Museum, I have been able to locate musical moments in the Museum' archives including the Bisbee Daily Review, and I wanted to share these in this blog. What is evident is that the Bisbee High School Band and its Director, Mr. Reppe, were a very busy musical aggregation playing not only for the community but for other regional events in Southern Arizona
Bisbee High School Band
Performing at the Elfrida Road Inauguration
1938
(Bisbee Mining Museum Archives)
Bisbee High School Majorettes
1942
(Bisbee Daily Review/Bisbee Mining Museum)
During World War II, the Bisbee High School Band and its auxiliary groups participated in various fund-raising activities to help the war effort. In this picture, the BHS Majorettes are announced as the featured group with the Bisbee High School Band in a War Bond drive concert to be held in front of the Bisbee Post Office.
Bisbee Mariachi Festival honors Bisbee Miners
This year, the Bisbee Mariachi Festival will be honoring former Bisbee Miners who labored in the Bisbee mines, many who toiled in these mines for years while at the same time providing for their families during the prosperous times as well as the lean times. In the picture below, Bisbee miners are depicted in a picture in front of the Denn shaft sometime around 1928 or 1929 just prior to the Great Depression. The third miner just to the left of the man wearing the light-colored outfit with the matching hat is my father who worked in the mines for many years. He was a quiet, docile individual walking to work or catching the city bus everyday because he never owned a car. He also walked from our house to the PD store (where the The Table Restaurant is now across from the Bisbee Mining Museum), bought his groceries, walked back up the Gulch, and rested right outside St. Elmos on that ledge where many people sit today to observe happenings today.
Bisbee Miners
Denn Shaft
1928
(Anna Garcia collection)
When honoring Bisbee miners, it would be remiss on my part if I did mention my brother, Alfonso Hirales, who worked in the mines for approximately 35 years. Al, a Korean War veteran, and my hero, for his service and being a solid individual as a family man and provider became a Bisbee Mine Tour Guide, and then, a volunteer for the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum after his retirement from Phelps Dodge (Freeport). I became a volunteer at the Bisbee Mining Museum after he left, and often, he is my resource on historical facts about Bisbee and especially mining history so I will tell him, "I need to pick your brain" or when talking to visitors at the Museum, I will say to them, "Let me call my brother". He usually has a response or if not, he will suggest a reference book or other source. But, Al is definitely a window into Bisbee's past--a valuable resource.
Alfonso Hirales
Bisbee Miner
(Bisbee Mining Museum)
Alfonso Hirales
Bisbee Mine Tour Guide
(Bisbee Mining Museum)
This particular edition of "A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona" has taken awhile to put together because of other priorities hanging over my schedule, however, it has been well worth it to do this one because of the above-named individuals who have been so important in my life. I really hope that all of my followers of "A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona" enjoy this one, and others to follow because it is enjoyable to me to do these for those that desire to know about times past and how things were then in our place in Arizona. God bless everyone and hope to see what other musical tidbits we can have for you again shortly. If you have an opportunity to stop in Bisbee, visit me at the Bisbee Mining Museum on Tuesday afternoons and we will chat about the old days. Adios
"A Trumpet Plays Over Arizona"
Phillip Hirales
No comments:
Post a Comment