Hawaii County Band entertains for more than 130 years

A great band is a unique combination of variables that are stronger together than apart. Like a great sports team, or a military unit, it takes everyone involved to create something magical. The Hawaii County Band creates this magic when members come together to provide music for special community functions and concerts for public enjoyment throughout East and West Hawaii.

“The Hawaii County Band has two units,” said West Hawaii Band Director Lisa Archuletta. “The eastern side unit in Hilo, and the western side unit in Kona. We became the western unit of the band. We have a monthly concert at the Hale Halawai pavilion and we do pretty much something for everyone.”

For more than 130 years, the Hawaii County Band has entertained residents of the Big Island with everything from classical music to jazzy show tunes. Established in 1883 by the Carvalho family, brothers Joaquin and Jules immigrated from the Azores Islands and set up a barbershop in Hilo. On the days the band played, they would put away their shears and take up their music. Joaquin Carvalholed the band and Jules Carvalho played the cornet. After the show, they would go back to the barbershop and back to cutting hair.

Joaquin Carvalho directed the band for 41 years. He established the band’s Tuesday and Thursday evening rehearsal schedule, which still exists today, bringing the total number of band rehearsals to well over 10,000 since the band’s inception. Today, the Hawaii County Band continues in its versatility and genre.

“We have classical concert music, as well as some jazz and rock and roll,” said Archuletta. “We also have some Broadway tunes and, of course, our marching band is also very popular.”

During the Hawaiian Monarchy and the Republic of Hawaii, the musical group was known as the Hilo Band. In 1900, after annexation, the band officially became the Hawaii County Band. The band’s original performing space is the Mooheau Park Bandstand which was dedicated in 1904 by Hilo businessman Adm. George Beckley.

Joaquin Carvalho died in 1924, and since then the band has had several directors. In 1943, Urban Carvalho, son of founder Jules Carvalho, became bandmaster. Urban Carvalho also directed the Hilo High School Band, subsequently recruiting the best high school players to join. In 1963, Urban Carvalho’s term ended and the band director position became a politically appointed post.

The first appointed director was Andres Baclig who directed the band for 11 years. Since then there has been a succession of talented directors including Armando Mendoza, John Hursey, David Lorch, Wayne Kawakami, Randy Skaggs and current directors, Paul Arceo and Lisa Archuletta.

With the exception of the director, who is full-time, the musicians are part-time employees of the County of Hawaii and receive a small stipend.

“If someone is interested in being a part of the band, they can contact me at the Hawaii County website under Department of Parks and Recreation,” said Archuletta. “We can talk some more about how they can contribute and participate.”

The Hawaii County Band performs several times a year at various venues and events.

“We do more than just the monthly shows,” said Archuletta. “We also do community functions such as the veterans ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We do the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration. We also have a concert series at Hulihee Palace which celebrates the Hawaiian alii birthdays. We also perform in the parades, which are very well received.”

The West Hawaii County Band has a nonprofit that supports its efforts called the West Hawaii County Band Friends. For more information visit www.westhawaiiband.com. To speak with one of the directors, call the Hawaii County Band Office at 961-8699.

“We are here to provide service to the community in terms of entertainment and ceremonies. We try to have music that everyone will enjoy.”