December 7, 2025 • 33 mins
Segment 1: Wreaths Across America, not just a Christmas Wreath!
.
Hosted by the Civil Air Patrol, El Paso Composite Squadron, Wreaths Across America is back! A time honored tradition of purchasing wreaths that will be placed by loved ones or volunteers on headstones at Ft. Bliss Cemetery, and you can be a part of it.
.
Amber Banda interviews Bonnie Torres, Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across American at Ft. Bliss. They discuss how it began, what this tradition means and who it is meant for, and you will get detailed information about event day. Become a part of the tradition of honoring our military and their families at the Ft. Bliss Cemetery!
.
10am will be opening Ceremonies, followed by placement of the wreaths.Trucks with wreaths, with a motorcycle escort, will arrive at Ft. Bliss cemetery around 7:30am. Wreaths can be purchaed on location for $17, (cash preferred), but with limited quantities.You are welcome to watch or volunteer. Volunteers will help unload the trucks and place wreaths on the headstones.
For more information go to elpasowreaths.org or find them on Facebook at Wreaths Across America El Paso.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Segment 2: El Paso Pro Musica with Felipa Solis
.
Amber Banda has Felipa Solis back in the station to walk about El Paso Pro Musica's upcoming events! In December, EPPM will have Mark O'Conner's "An Appalachian Christmas" ft his wife, Maggie O'Conner. This event will be Dec 15th at 7:30pm in the Recital Hall at the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Center.
.
They also discuss EPPM's Chamber Music Festival which continues into January, with even more world-renowned and award winning artists! Vairous types of music, artists with different musical talents and instruments, and more! If you have a love for music, you want your family to experience music of all kinds, or if you have a child wh plays or wants to play a musical instrument, this is the series for you!
.
For more information go to eppm.org
NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!
.
Hosted by the Civil Air Patrol, El Paso Composite Squadron, Wreaths Across America is back! A time honored tradition of purchasing wreaths that will be placed by loved ones or volunteers on headstones at Ft. Bliss Cemetery, and you can be a part of it.
.
Amber Banda interviews Bonnie Torres, Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across American at Ft. Bliss. They discuss how it began, what this tradition means and who it is meant for, and you will get detailed information about event day. Become a part of the tradition of honoring our military and their families at the Ft. Bliss Cemetery!
.
10am will be opening Ceremonies, followed by placement of the wreaths.Trucks with wreaths, with a motorcycle escort, will arrive at Ft. Bliss cemetery around 7:30am. Wreaths can be purchaed on location for $17, (cash preferred), but with limited quantities.You are welcome to watch or volunteer. Volunteers will help unload the trucks and place wreaths on the headstones.
For more information go to elpasowreaths.org or find them on Facebook at Wreaths Across America El Paso.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Segment 2: El Paso Pro Musica with Felipa Solis
.
Amber Banda has Felipa Solis back in the station to walk about El Paso Pro Musica's upcoming events! In December, EPPM will have Mark O'Conner's "An Appalachian Christmas" ft his wife, Maggie O'Conner. This event will be Dec 15th at 7:30pm in the Recital Hall at the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Center.
.
They also discuss EPPM's Chamber Music Festival which continues into January, with even more world-renowned and award winning artists! Vairous types of music, artists with different musical talents and instruments, and more! If you have a love for music, you want your family to experience music of all kinds, or if you have a child wh plays or wants to play a musical instrument, this is the series for you!
.
For more information go to eppm.org
NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to the al Paso Public Forum. I am your host, Amberbanda,
and today we have DeBie Torres' location coordinator for Reads
across America. Debbie, thank you for talking with us today.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
You're welcome Amber.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Of course, So, Debbie, you were telling me and I
never knew this Civil Air Patrol al Paso Composite Squadron.
They're the ones that are hosting Reads across America. Are
you a part of the Civil Air Patrol Alpaso Composite Squadron.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes. So, I've been a volunteer with VAP for thirty
two years. I actually was the squadron commander. In two
thousand and six, Winch this program started and we signed
on and we've been hosting it ever since. I've been
the location coordinator this is nineteen years for us.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Oh my goodness. So then my first Reths Across America
we were talking about a little bit earlier, was about
five years ago.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
So you were there.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
I was there.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
I was the one running around crazy.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Oh yeah, I'm sure. I'm sure this type of an event.
So for those that aren't familiar, because before joining the
Motorcycle Coalition, I had never heard about it. Res across America?
What is this organization?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Rees across America is a part of Actually, Wister w Reef
Company is the commercial side of the house in Maine.
They first year started this in two thousand and five.
They had an overrun of production and they made arrangements
with Arlington Cemetery to take the wreaths there and linked
(01:59):
up with some Civil Air Patrol units cadets to help
put the wreaths out, and that's how it got started.
And that winter, after they put them out, someone took
a picture. It had just snowed and the wreaths were
propped against the headstones with the snow, and it went
viral and people started calling, how do we get you know?
(02:22):
This started? So at that time, since they were familiar
with Civil Air Patrol, they asked us to come on
board to get the program started because we're, you know,
in every state has a wing and squadrons, so we're
part of the Air Force auxiliary. And so Manders said
(02:43):
yes and sent out emails and I saw it and
I said, yes, well.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Yeah, definitely right. How can you not, especially I'll Passle
being a military city, the veteran capital of Texas. Correct, exactly, yes,
And for those not familiar and correct me if I'm wrong,
reads across America is specifically wreaths on the headstones of
fallen soldiers.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Fallen soldiers, any veteran and family members can be honored.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yes, yes, yes, So I'll before we get into the description,
I'll give everyone a little bit of my detailed experience.
We're going to talk about the different phases of this event,
including the motorcycle phase, which is how I got to
know about this. So there's a motorcycle escort, and the
basic my understanding of it is you go, you unload
(03:33):
the wreaths, you put them on the headstones, the tombstones,
like you said, of the soldiers their families, And that's
basically what reads across America is. I remember putting one
on my grandfather's. It was very emotional. It's a lovely
thing to see. So with that being said, Debbie, can
we talk a little bit about reads across America here
in I'll pass. So when is it and where is
(03:56):
it going to be?
Speaker 3 (03:56):
First of all, it is a week from tomorrow, December thirteenth,
at Fort Bliss Cemetery. Our trucks will come through the
main gate approximately seven point thirty nothing set in stone,
but they'll be escorted in with all the motorcycles. Patriot
guard Riders, Guardians of the Children and some other groups
(04:20):
don't have the whole list a lot. They make a
lot of noise and it's very impressive. We have two
trucks coming in this year, both eighteen wheelers wheelers yes, yes,
And once we get them parked and settled, we start
counting wreaths, boxes of wreaths. I have to verify that
we've gotten our correct load on both trucks and sign
(04:43):
for it, and then we start staging wreaths to go
to different areas. We have three different areas running at
the same time. We have a sail table out front
of the cemetery for people that missed the deadline or
didn't know about it and just hearing ab out it
reads available there cash preferred, as we have no way
(05:05):
to do. We have people that have reserved their wreaths
that are going to pick them up and place them theirselves.
Will be set up in the center past the flag.
And you won't miss us this year because we'll have
our Civil Air Patrol kind of pee up, so it'll
be very visible and can't miss us.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And so we before we get more detailed, because I
want to get a little bit more detailed with each phases.
But from the beginning you said that they're going to
be stage. Now for those unfamiliar with staging, that just
means setting up. So at six point thirty a m
at Airport Road, it's the Carls Junior. At seventy one
to twenty, the bikes will be there. There'll be a
(05:46):
briefing at seven. All this military jargon, right, and then
like you said, approximate KSU which for people that don't
ride kickstands up we get going at seven to twenty.
And for people that are unaware, yes I forgot, you
could actually buy a wreath for your loved ones. So,
like Debbie said, if this is your first time hearing
about it, or you miss the deadline for reserving them online.
(06:08):
You can purchase them cash preferred at the location at
the cemetery correct Fort Bliss Cemetery.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Yes, we'll have a table set out front of the
main gate.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
And how much are the wreaths.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
They're seventeen dollars each.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Oh wow, okay, that's not And for someone that maybe
wants to purchase it, but can they purchase it and
put it themselves, and can they purchase it and let
someone else put it.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
On they can place it themselves. We do have volunteers.
We'll have to have some standing by if they need
help placing it. I understand that some people can't navigate
the ceremony cemetery. Sorry, yeah, so we'll have volunteers standing
by to help them out.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
That is amazing. And if you don't have someone that
necessarily has a tombstone or headstone here, if this is
just something that you want to do to support the
military community, by all and see something beautiful in my
in my opinion, you can also go and purchase a
wreath on behalf of whoever you know. It's just something
really good to see. And again, the funds go towards
(07:11):
continuing this tradition. So okay, Debbie, So we got phase one,
Phase two that's assisting with unloading the trucks. I did
that as well. When you're if you're looking for a workout,
but it's a fun time because we did like the
whole chain, you know, so it's me next to a soldier,
next to a biker, you know, just putting the boxes
on and off. You can is when does the volunteer
(07:34):
opportunities become When do they become open to the public.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Like I said, the trucks come in at seven point thirty.
It takes a few minutes to get them parked and stabilized,
and then as we break down the pallets, we count
to make sure we have the right mounts. And once
they start coming off the truck, there's for those two
other staging areas, the sales table out front and then
(08:01):
the pickup table in the center. Those wreaths, some of
the some of those wreaths go out there first so
we can get moving faster. And then once the parking
lot is set up and arranged, then they start putting
out the grave specifics. We since we don't cover the cemetery,
we have seven nine hundred wreaths on their way this year.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Woo that all it could be placed.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Yes, and that's just a small portion. There's over sixty
thousand graves there. So we really need some corporate sponsorship
to come on board and do large sponsorships for us.
But we get moving as soon as we can. Of course,
we need people to unload the trucks. That takes probably
(08:48):
what fifteen twenty minutes to get settled and get.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Girl nine and it took get like thirty minutes.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Yeah, that's a lot of it is their Sober five
box on my knee load and they'll be approximately forty
some boxes, probably about eighty boxes on the second load.
I'm just guestimating there's two thousand wreaths on that second load.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
So and again if you're just tuning in, I have
here Debbie Tores, location coordinator for Reaths Across America. Happening
December thirteen. So as of the airing of this interview,
it'll be in a in about a week. So we talked.
We talked about the staging, the bike escort, the trucks arriving,
unloading the boxes. Now I want the public to know
(09:38):
about the opening ceremony, there's you know, after the unloading
of the trucks, what will happen.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
We start placing wreaths. At the official ceremony is at
ten am. We do a call to order about nine five,
nine fifty. Just get everybody seated and quieted down, and
then the cemetery director or the admin they do the
(10:05):
welcoming speech and are welcoming opening, and then we roll
into the ceremony starting with a moment of silence, and
that correspond with Arlington at noon. Every location adjusts their times,
so we all start off with the moment of silence
at the same time nationwide.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Oh okay, okay. And then there is also something called
a flag line that people can be a part of.
Can you explain that a little bit more.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Yes, the Patriot Guard, writers and Children of the City
or Guardians to the Children, and the other motorcycle groups
form the flag line at the rostrum as a backdrop
to the ceremony. And I get support from withs with
the Color Guard and bugler and the I called the
(11:00):
rifle team, but they're the firing squad. I think that's okay.
And then we have recruiters for each branch of service
to actually place. The ceremonial reads, it's my honor guard.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Oh that's lovely. And it says here that if someone
wants to pick up a flag, they can do that
from the PGR support vehicle if they want to hold
a flag during the line.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
I believe so okay that I don't get that.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Okay, You're like, I just work here. I'm the same
with my with my with my work too. They're asking
me things I feel like I should know, but no,
but yeah, this I mean again reads across America. It's
happening December thirteenth. You can be a part of it.
So I guess if the trucks are rolling in it's
seven thirty, and people who are volunteering are not going
(11:49):
to be a part of the motorcycle escort, what time
should they arrive at the at the cemetery.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Between seven and seven fifteen. The parking is ridiculous at
that time, they'll have to park outside because the main
gates will be locked so we can control traffic to
get the trucks in. So everybody coming that early would
have to park outside the cemetery and come in through
the pedestrian gate. And I ask, please, you know cooperate,
(12:21):
be flexible. These times are not carved in stone. We
have to be flexible. Happen sometimes there's a wait time
to be able to pick up wreaths and start putting
them out. We have everything in envelopes with corresponding to
(12:42):
twelve in a box of wreaths, and we have the
tags for those twelve. I tag every wreath that's grave specific.
We do quality controls. They're placed correctly so I don't
get a lot of phone calls afterwards that wreaths are missing.
So there's a lot of this. It's a year round thing.
(13:03):
I say, it's a good thing I'm retired, because otherwise
I wouldn't be able to you.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Wouldn't have the time frame. Ray well, two things next year,
make sure you get at me early early, maybe like
four months early, so we can get those sp those
corporate sp sponsorships that you're talking about. And if there's
any anyone listening here that things they can do a
corporate sponsorship. There's still time. And you know, again, I
(13:27):
think that this is just such a beautiful event. And
if anyone is upset when they're there because they think
maybe things are moving too slow, you can volunteer. You
are welcome to volunteer.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
And like I said, I've been doing this for nineteen years.
I'm seventy years old. I'm starting to slow down and
looking for not only just our squadron members, but other
groups that would be interested in taking on some of
these tasks and making this go would be greatly appreciated.
(14:01):
And I try to kick off us mailing out sponsorships
forms in July. Okay, we're trying to time it because
now all the stores are having Christmas in July sales. Oh,
I know, and I you know, we need to start
getting the word out then, not not the Veterans Day,
not you know this late. Like you said, this is
(14:24):
going to air in a week, and that's that puts
it at the day before.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Yeah, I mean it's still something. But you got my
phone number now, girls, so you can contact me directly.
And again reads across America a wonderful, beautiful tradition. It's
going to be Saturday, December thirteenth. You can get to
the cemetery between seven and seven thirty am. If you
are a motorcyclist, whether or not you're an independent, a
ride with a group and want to be a part
(14:49):
of the escort. You can go to the al Paso
Motorcycle Coalition Facebook page. You can also go to Alpasselreads
dot org for more information and on Facebook reads across
America al Paso And if you do want to purchase
a wreath for a loved one or just to support
the military, you can do that on location. Cash preferred
(15:10):
seventeen dollars a wreath. Debbie, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
I can't think of anything right off the top of
my head. I do have a co host for the ceremony,
Mike Rivera.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Oh yeah, I will like day known to him.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
He and my daughter went to a community college together.
I've known him since he was twenty years old. He's
like one of my kids. And he's been doing this
now with me for I think this will be a
fifth or sixth year.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Really well, Mike loves me, and I love Mike, so
tell him. I said hi, and again, Debbie, thank you
so much for talking with us today.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
You're welcome, Amber, and I hope your computer behaves itself
and your day goes better.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Welcome back to the al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Amber Banda and today we have someone who I would
like to say is becoming my best friend. Felipe Solis,
Executive director of the El Paso Pro Musica, Filippa Philippa,
thank you for talking with us again today.
Speaker 5 (16:21):
It's wonderful to be here. And yes I am and
yes I am.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Yay. I love having you in this station.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
And of course today we're going to be talking about
Al Paso Pro Musica. If you've never heard of this organization,
right here, Philippa is going to give you a little description,
and then we're going to get into some fabulous holiday
events and some events.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
For the new year coming up. Oh my god, in
less than a month. I know, I know, it's.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
Scared, Like, wait a minute, December. Holy, last week was November.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
Yeah, it's already November. I'm already getting requests for February.
In March, I'm like, oh my god, it's still twenty
twenty five, so it's still With that being said Felipa,
al Paso Pro Musica, what is this organization?
Speaker 4 (17:03):
What does it do for the community.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Al Paso Pro Musica is a nonprofit organization that's designed
to bring the greatest musical artists in the world to
the region with the commitment of reaching out to the community,
which means that our mission is to make music accessible
to all. We're led by artistic director and Grammy Award
winner Zuel Bailey, who does absolutely recruit these incredible people
(17:28):
to come to the region. And it's getting very exciting
because all of them are committed to schools, to hospitals
and to make a difference for people who, let's say,
can't come to the concert hall. And so that's a
big commitment for our entire organization to make music accessible,
to take it to a senior center, to take it
(17:49):
to children who maybe you're having to go through infusion,
to take it to anyone who needs it, and especially
students who are excited and feeling passed about music and
hear these people come into town and perform, but take
it to them. So it's kind of from the concert
hall to the classroom and beyond.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
And I love the fact that these big artists are
coming to our city of al Paso, where maybe you
know their type of music, which I guess you could
be described you described it as chamber music.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
Correct chamber music, It can be any kind of genre
with a small group. I mean, when you talk about
a symphony orchestra, that is a large group of musicians
together with a conductor. But chamber music is anything from
a quartet, anctete, a soloist. And that's why our upcoming
concert is so amazing because there are two classically trained
(18:41):
musicians who are taking it all to another level. And
now we're bringing in country.
Speaker 2 (18:49):
Really wow, you know, I am on the country station,
So this is very interesting. So al Paso Pro Musica,
it is a nonprofit and when they come in and
they do these different events, like you said, at has hospitals,
at schools, at centers where the elderly are able to listen,
what kind of benefit or pros do you see that
(19:09):
this music brings in their healing and their learning in
whatever point of in whatever journey they are at their
point of life.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
There's such a wonderful sense of camaraderie of family when
you're sitting there and you can listen to music when
you're sitting there and you're thinking about a thousand things,
if you're at a doctor's office, or when we're doing
music as we will be with Texas Oncology, and we
want to hit everyone with music who need it. Most
(19:40):
a patient, most assuredly a child. Definitively no one wants
to be in the hospital. But then we also want
to take care of the doctors and the nurses and
the family members and bring their just noise level that's
going down to a different kind of a noise level. Yeah,
(20:02):
and make everything again accessible. Accessibility is the key.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
And you know, I find a lot of therapy from
rock music and you know, you know, the mashkits, but
then it's almost like this this type of music, especially live,
which is you know what they focus on live music
in this setting, it puts your like brain waves and
a certain type of you know, wavelength to be able
to kind of just settle down, even if it's just
for thirty minutes or an hour, for however.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Long they're playing.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And then, you know, this type of music, I find
that these people just they love their instruments, they love
what they do, and that really, you know, bleeds into
whoever is experiencing that concert. And real quick with the
al Paso promosic, how you say you work with students
in what capacity.
Speaker 5 (20:43):
Well, we have wonderful relationships with area schools where we
can take the musical artists to schools primarily artistic director
and do presentations, do master classes. We have a wonderful
relationship with the University of Texas at all Passo's Department
of Music where we do masterclasses. We recently brought in
(21:03):
a world renowned Spanish guitarist and he worked with all
of the guitar students and other students to be able
to just hear what he has to say, listen to
his advice, listen to his musical advice and coaching. And
so those are the kinds of things that we do
in The students that we reach can be anywhere from
pre cata university level.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
So again, if you're just tuning in, I am talking here.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
With Philippe A.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Solis, executive director of al Paso Pro Musika, and I
want to now focus on the events that people can
go and be a part of, go and listen to.
There's a couple of events that you have coming up
for this month as well as going into next month.
So Philippe, I'm gonna let you decide which one do
you want.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
To talk about first.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
I want to talk about our upcoming concert that's going
to be something that will be great for the whole family,
and that is the multiple. I believe he's got over
ten Grammys Market partners an Appalachian Christmas featuring his wife,
Maggie o'coonter, and he's been doing this for a number
of years. He did a recording about twelve years ago
(22:07):
where he was featured with the great opera singer Renee
Fleming and the great Yo Yoma And he just recorded
a new Christmas CD with his wife Maggie and it's magnificent.
Remembering too. They're classically trained, but they've kind of pretty
much taken a huge nose dive into the world of
(22:28):
kind of country music and fiddling and roots in Appalachia,
and so they both play the violin, so actually they're
both fiddlers and he'll bring out his guitar Mark and
Maggie sings, and it's just going to be all sorts
of wonderful songs that are comforting, that are I mean
(22:50):
fun things like Winter Wonderland and Sleigh Ride, but also
silent Night and songs that are soothing and wonderful with
that country flair. That's going to be very different from
anything we've presented. They did come last season and people
were amazed at everything that they were bringing to the table,
like Wow, classically trained musicians, Maggie, she went to Johns Hopkins,
(23:15):
she went to the Peabody School of Music, and yet
this is what her niche is. So it's so wonderful
that we're going to have a whole different kind of
a concert that is great for the whole family. They've
got busy schedules. They're traveling everywhere. They've been doing this
holiday concert all over the country since November fifteenth, so
just this week there in Chicago and they're going on
(23:36):
and then they come to al Paso and they really
make a difference.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
I'm glad that they're making al Paso one of their
roots here. You know, Mark O'Connors, you said, how did
you say that word? I say Appalachian I have.
Speaker 5 (23:48):
But Mark refers to it as Appalachi, okay, and I
think and he said that based on the roots that
he has and Tennessee and such that was his nunciation.
So we'll call it an Appalachian Christmas until right, I'm potato, Potato,
I am whatever it is supposed.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
To be, right, whatever they refer to it as right,
it's there are well, Tennessee. That explains why maybe they
wanted to add some country to it, right, and again
featuring his wife, who's gorgeous by the way, Maggie O'Connor.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
And nice people too, so nice, so wonderful, so caring,
so giving. They will be backstage afterwards and we'll meet everyone,
and they're just very much a part of communities. They
like to engage in communities like that where you don't
have to be shy.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Around the well, like what we were talking about earlier, right,
when you're around that type of music, it kind of
puts your brain into these brainways.
Speaker 4 (24:43):
I mean, that's why they're so nice. They're always so
calm with the.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Music, and they get to be around that so often.
Speaker 5 (24:48):
Absolutely. There's a study recently, and this is classical, that
there was a scientist working with cancer cells and how
the cancer cells were adjusting according to what they were hearing. Wow,
the cancer culls were not multiplying when listening to Beethoven's filth.
Speaker 3 (25:11):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
Wow, that's interesting.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
So many things that happen in the human body when
we allow music to just saturate our souls.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Right, and really you know experience it, and you know,
doing these things live helps you to experience it more
and again. This Applacian Christmas is going to be at
the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall Monday, December fifteenth
at seven thirty pm. And I love the fact that
you said that the songs that they're going to be
performing because it's family friendly, are songs that families are
(25:44):
going to be familiar with, because I think that maybe
is something that may turn some people aware. It's like, Okay,
I've never heard of them, but they're playing music I've
never heard of, Like why would I go see them?
But it's songs that people can sing along to. They're
going to be familiar with.
Speaker 5 (25:57):
Feet stomping is encouraged. Also, I believe that Mark will
be performing as Appalachian waltz that he does that's really
supersonic and he composed it, and I mean he's got
There are schools all over the country that use it's
called the Mark O'Connor method in teaching oh wow, youngsters
how to play the violin. I know some of the
(26:19):
schools in the Sokoto district have incorporated some of it
into their curriculum. And it's really fantastic to see what
he's done because yes, you perform in concert. But how
does that touch everyone?
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Right?
Speaker 5 (26:33):
How does that make the difference for our future to
love and appreciate all genres of music. But this time around,
we're going country and we're loving it.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Oh cool. Yeah, and especially right now.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
You know, my daughter she just started band for the
first time this year and actually she's going to have
her first concert coming up. So if you have a
student that is learning to play an instrument in band
or orchestra, and that instrument is going to be you know,
if they're going to be using that to perform in
this event or the event we're going to talk about
right now, that's wonderful for those kids to go and see, hey,
I'm playing flute, I'm playing violin, I'm playing you know,
(27:09):
whatever the case is, and then see it being performed
by these professionals, and then, like you said, these professionals
Mark and Maggie being so loving and wanting to talk
to the people afterwards. That's an excellent time for your
child to be able to experience the behind the scenes too.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Wonderful. It's a wonderful experience for children. And just you know,
the idea that oh my gosh, there are no divas allowed.
These are people who are believe so much in their
art that they're going to share it with everyone and
they're going to be friendly and happy and wonderful, and
that's what that's what it's all about exactly, is music
(27:44):
is to be shared and to love for love and
to give back.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Oh definitely, I mean, you can't just keep good music
to yourself.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Speaking of which, we have another series of events, the
al Paso Pro Musica Chamber Series.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Correct Yes, and in January we're going to be celebrating
zul Bailey's twenty fifth anniversary with Opasso Pro Musica and
he's going to have his first concert on January fourteenth
called zul Bailey and Friends, where he's bringing the Vega Quartet,
this incredible violinist talent Kim who's just a delight Yinsi Kang,
(28:23):
William Ransom, and they're going to have a couple of
concerts where they're going to be playing so much glorious
music that's classical. But there's one piece that's called by
a Spanish composer named Durina, and it's like a cancion dalus,
which means it's from southern Spain, so it's almost kind
of Flamenco sound castanet. Yes, and then they'll also be
(28:46):
they'll be doing music by Piazzola Pizzola from Aracantina, and Jesusapodaca,
who heads up the Base Department at the UTEP Department
of Music, will also be performing with them, so we
love when that happens. Then we're bringing in a another
Grammy Award winner, Paul Jacobs, who's an organist, and that's
going to be in a different venue at the Church
of Saint Clement, So that's going to be super fantastic.
(29:09):
He is a Grammy Award winner and his work was
also on the same CD that won zul the Grammy
called Tales of Hemingway.
Speaker 4 (29:18):
Oh Wow.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
That was written by a new dynamic composer, Michael Doherty,
And so it's just really wonderful that they have. He's
got so many connections with so many people out there.
And then the Juilliard String Quartet, they're a whole new
group because the Juilliard String Quartet has been around since forever,
but these are the best of the best and they're
(29:40):
young and fun and we hope they'll be super exciting.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
And ah, this one looks like the Juilliard string quartet
looks really neat. For again, if your child is playing violin,
because I know, I don't know like a lot of
the kids right now they're getting into the string instruments,
that one looks like a really really fun one to
take them too.
Speaker 5 (30:01):
Wonderful for them, very inspiring because they're going to be
looking at people on stage who are young. Here's another
thing about our youth. Al Passo Pro Musica is not
touching the prices of the tickets. So our adult tickets
are twenty five dollars, Senior military is twenty All students.
All students, it doesn't matter what your age is. If
you're taking classes at al Paso Community College and you
(30:21):
are some older people have said, hey, I'm a student,
that's absolutely wonderful. All student tickets five dollars.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
There you go, and again the money that's raised, it
goes back into al Paso Pro Musika to continue to
do these types of events for the community and bring
that music into Il Paso. Felippa, you're so very well
versed in this, and you know, obviously you're the executive
director of al Paso Pro Musika. So with the last
couple of minutes we have here, I'd like to ask you,
(30:52):
why are you so passionate? What got you involved in
this organization?
Speaker 5 (30:56):
My life story in just a couple of minutes. I
grew up in the world of dance. My dad was
a renowned choreographer named Antonio Triana, and my mom was Riana.
She taught at UTEP for thirty five years Spanish and
so Spanish and Flamenco. So whenever that comes up, I'm like, whoo,
I'm all over it. But I grew up in this
world of music and dance and my dad playing records
(31:19):
and we'd have to sit and listen to it. And
that's how I knew who Bach and Beethoven were, because I,
you know, it was just and it was a humble
we were. It was a humble universe of understanding that
art comes from your heart. And then I went, of
course into broadcasting for many many years, and that's a
(31:39):
very big passion of mine too. But I you know,
life does full circle, and that's what is so important
to me is what my dad taught me on how
important sharing art is with all so that everyone has
a piece of it, children, especially because it's all in
(32:00):
the hands of the future. I mean, people can say
that classical music is unattainable, but it is attainable when
you make it accessible right exactly, and so that's the
key to the mission of the organization. That is what
drives me.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
If you will, Yeah, wonderfully said, and again, so happy
anytime to have you on again. Philippe Soles, executive director
for Al Paso Promusica. Philippa, thank you so much for
talking with us today.
Speaker 4 (32:27):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (32:27):
It's always a joy to be here with you. Amber.
Speaker 1 (32:29):
Of course, you've been listening to El Paso Public Forum,
a weekly public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you,
your organization or event would like to be featured on
an upcoming program, please email to ep Forum at iHeartMedia
dot com or call us at nine one five three
five one five four zero zero. Tune in again next
(32:50):
week for another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The
preceding program was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso.
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to the al Paso Public Forum. I am your host, Amberbanda,
and today we have DeBie Torres' location coordinator for Reads
across America. Debbie, thank you for talking with us today.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
You're welcome Amber.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Of course, So, Debbie, you were telling me and I
never knew this Civil Air Patrol al Paso Composite Squadron.
They're the ones that are hosting Reads across America. Are
you a part of the Civil Air Patrol Alpaso Composite Squadron.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Yes. So, I've been a volunteer with VAP for thirty
two years. I actually was the squadron commander. In two
thousand and six, Winch this program started and we signed
on and we've been hosting it ever since. I've been
the location coordinator this is nineteen years for us.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Oh my goodness. So then my first Reths Across America
we were talking about a little bit earlier, was about
five years ago.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
So you were there.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
I was there.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
I was the one running around crazy.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Oh yeah, I'm sure. I'm sure this type of an event.
So for those that aren't familiar, because before joining the
Motorcycle Coalition, I had never heard about it. Res across America?
What is this organization?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Rees across America is a part of Actually, Wister w Reef
Company is the commercial side of the house in Maine.
They first year started this in two thousand and five.
They had an overrun of production and they made arrangements
with Arlington Cemetery to take the wreaths there and linked
(01:59):
up with some Civil Air Patrol units cadets to help
put the wreaths out, and that's how it got started.
And that winter, after they put them out, someone took
a picture. It had just snowed and the wreaths were
propped against the headstones with the snow, and it went
viral and people started calling, how do we get you know?
(02:22):
This started? So at that time, since they were familiar
with Civil Air Patrol, they asked us to come on
board to get the program started because we're, you know,
in every state has a wing and squadrons, so we're
part of the Air Force auxiliary. And so Manders said
(02:43):
yes and sent out emails and I saw it and
I said, yes, well.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Yeah, definitely right. How can you not, especially I'll Passle
being a military city, the veteran capital of Texas. Correct, exactly, yes,
And for those not familiar and correct me if I'm wrong,
reads across America is specifically wreaths on the headstones of
fallen soldiers.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Fallen soldiers, any veteran and family members can be honored.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yes, yes, yes, So I'll before we get into the description,
I'll give everyone a little bit of my detailed experience.
We're going to talk about the different phases of this event,
including the motorcycle phase, which is how I got to
know about this. So there's a motorcycle escort, and the
basic my understanding of it is you go, you unload
(03:33):
the wreaths, you put them on the headstones, the tombstones,
like you said, of the soldiers their families, And that's
basically what reads across America is. I remember putting one
on my grandfather's. It was very emotional. It's a lovely
thing to see. So with that being said, Debbie, can
we talk a little bit about reads across America here
in I'll pass. So when is it and where is
(03:56):
it going to be?
Speaker 3 (03:56):
First of all, it is a week from tomorrow, December thirteenth,
at Fort Bliss Cemetery. Our trucks will come through the
main gate approximately seven point thirty nothing set in stone,
but they'll be escorted in with all the motorcycles. Patriot
guard Riders, Guardians of the Children and some other groups
(04:20):
don't have the whole list a lot. They make a
lot of noise and it's very impressive. We have two
trucks coming in this year, both eighteen wheelers wheelers yes, yes,
And once we get them parked and settled, we start
counting wreaths, boxes of wreaths. I have to verify that
we've gotten our correct load on both trucks and sign
(04:43):
for it, and then we start staging wreaths to go
to different areas. We have three different areas running at
the same time. We have a sail table out front
of the cemetery for people that missed the deadline or
didn't know about it and just hearing ab out it
reads available there cash preferred, as we have no way
(05:05):
to do. We have people that have reserved their wreaths
that are going to pick them up and place them theirselves.
Will be set up in the center past the flag.
And you won't miss us this year because we'll have
our Civil Air Patrol kind of pee up, so it'll
be very visible and can't miss us.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And so we before we get more detailed, because I
want to get a little bit more detailed with each phases.
But from the beginning you said that they're going to
be stage. Now for those unfamiliar with staging, that just
means setting up. So at six point thirty a m
at Airport Road, it's the Carls Junior. At seventy one
to twenty, the bikes will be there. There'll be a
(05:46):
briefing at seven. All this military jargon, right, and then
like you said, approximate KSU which for people that don't
ride kickstands up we get going at seven to twenty.
And for people that are unaware, yes I forgot, you
could actually buy a wreath for your loved ones. So,
like Debbie said, if this is your first time hearing
about it, or you miss the deadline for reserving them online.
(06:08):
You can purchase them cash preferred at the location at
the cemetery correct Fort Bliss Cemetery.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
Yes, we'll have a table set out front of the
main gate.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
And how much are the wreaths.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
They're seventeen dollars each.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Oh wow, okay, that's not And for someone that maybe
wants to purchase it, but can they purchase it and
put it themselves, and can they purchase it and let
someone else put it.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
On they can place it themselves. We do have volunteers.
We'll have to have some standing by if they need
help placing it. I understand that some people can't navigate
the ceremony cemetery. Sorry, yeah, so we'll have volunteers standing
by to help them out.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
That is amazing. And if you don't have someone that
necessarily has a tombstone or headstone here, if this is
just something that you want to do to support the
military community, by all and see something beautiful in my
in my opinion, you can also go and purchase a
wreath on behalf of whoever you know. It's just something
really good to see. And again, the funds go towards
(07:11):
continuing this tradition. So okay, Debbie, So we got phase one,
Phase two that's assisting with unloading the trucks. I did
that as well. When you're if you're looking for a workout,
but it's a fun time because we did like the
whole chain, you know, so it's me next to a soldier,
next to a biker, you know, just putting the boxes
on and off. You can is when does the volunteer
(07:34):
opportunities become When do they become open to the public.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Like I said, the trucks come in at seven point thirty.
It takes a few minutes to get them parked and stabilized,
and then as we break down the pallets, we count
to make sure we have the right mounts. And once
they start coming off the truck, there's for those two
other staging areas, the sales table out front and then
(08:01):
the pickup table in the center. Those wreaths, some of
the some of those wreaths go out there first so
we can get moving faster. And then once the parking
lot is set up and arranged, then they start putting
out the grave specifics. We since we don't cover the cemetery,
we have seven nine hundred wreaths on their way this year.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
Woo that all it could be placed.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Yes, and that's just a small portion. There's over sixty
thousand graves there. So we really need some corporate sponsorship
to come on board and do large sponsorships for us.
But we get moving as soon as we can. Of course,
we need people to unload the trucks. That takes probably
(08:48):
what fifteen twenty minutes to get settled and get.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Girl nine and it took get like thirty minutes.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Yeah, that's a lot of it is their Sober five
box on my knee load and they'll be approximately forty
some boxes, probably about eighty boxes on the second load.
I'm just guestimating there's two thousand wreaths on that second load.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
So and again if you're just tuning in, I have
here Debbie Tores, location coordinator for Reaths Across America. Happening
December thirteen. So as of the airing of this interview,
it'll be in a in about a week. So we talked.
We talked about the staging, the bike escort, the trucks arriving,
unloading the boxes. Now I want the public to know
(09:38):
about the opening ceremony, there's you know, after the unloading
of the trucks, what will happen.
Speaker 3 (09:44):
We start placing wreaths. At the official ceremony is at
ten am. We do a call to order about nine five,
nine fifty. Just get everybody seated and quieted down, and
then the cemetery director or the admin they do the
(10:05):
welcoming speech and are welcoming opening, and then we roll
into the ceremony starting with a moment of silence, and
that correspond with Arlington at noon. Every location adjusts their times,
so we all start off with the moment of silence
at the same time nationwide.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Oh okay, okay. And then there is also something called
a flag line that people can be a part of.
Can you explain that a little bit more.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Yes, the Patriot Guard, writers and Children of the City
or Guardians to the Children, and the other motorcycle groups
form the flag line at the rostrum as a backdrop
to the ceremony. And I get support from withs with
the Color Guard and bugler and the I called the
(11:00):
rifle team, but they're the firing squad. I think that's okay.
And then we have recruiters for each branch of service
to actually place. The ceremonial reads, it's my honor guard.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Oh that's lovely. And it says here that if someone
wants to pick up a flag, they can do that
from the PGR support vehicle if they want to hold
a flag during the line.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
I believe so okay that I don't get that.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Okay, You're like, I just work here. I'm the same
with my with my with my work too. They're asking
me things I feel like I should know, but no,
but yeah, this I mean again reads across America. It's
happening December thirteenth. You can be a part of it.
So I guess if the trucks are rolling in it's
seven thirty, and people who are volunteering are not going
(11:49):
to be a part of the motorcycle escort, what time
should they arrive at the at the cemetery.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Between seven and seven fifteen. The parking is ridiculous at
that time, they'll have to park outside because the main
gates will be locked so we can control traffic to
get the trucks in. So everybody coming that early would
have to park outside the cemetery and come in through
the pedestrian gate. And I ask, please, you know cooperate,
(12:21):
be flexible. These times are not carved in stone. We
have to be flexible. Happen sometimes there's a wait time
to be able to pick up wreaths and start putting
them out. We have everything in envelopes with corresponding to
(12:42):
twelve in a box of wreaths, and we have the
tags for those twelve. I tag every wreath that's grave specific.
We do quality controls. They're placed correctly so I don't
get a lot of phone calls afterwards that wreaths are missing.
So there's a lot of this. It's a year round thing.
(13:03):
I say, it's a good thing I'm retired, because otherwise
I wouldn't be able to you.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Wouldn't have the time frame. Ray well, two things next year,
make sure you get at me early early, maybe like
four months early, so we can get those sp those
corporate sp sponsorships that you're talking about. And if there's
any anyone listening here that things they can do a
corporate sponsorship. There's still time. And you know, again, I
(13:27):
think that this is just such a beautiful event. And
if anyone is upset when they're there because they think
maybe things are moving too slow, you can volunteer. You
are welcome to volunteer.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
And like I said, I've been doing this for nineteen years.
I'm seventy years old. I'm starting to slow down and
looking for not only just our squadron members, but other
groups that would be interested in taking on some of
these tasks and making this go would be greatly appreciated.
(14:01):
And I try to kick off us mailing out sponsorships
forms in July. Okay, we're trying to time it because
now all the stores are having Christmas in July sales. Oh,
I know, and I you know, we need to start
getting the word out then, not not the Veterans Day,
not you know this late. Like you said, this is
(14:24):
going to air in a week, and that's that puts
it at the day before.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Yeah, I mean it's still something. But you got my
phone number now, girls, so you can contact me directly.
And again reads across America a wonderful, beautiful tradition. It's
going to be Saturday, December thirteenth. You can get to
the cemetery between seven and seven thirty am. If you
are a motorcyclist, whether or not you're an independent, a
ride with a group and want to be a part
(14:49):
of the escort. You can go to the al Paso
Motorcycle Coalition Facebook page. You can also go to Alpasselreads
dot org for more information and on Facebook reads across
America al Paso And if you do want to purchase
a wreath for a loved one or just to support
the military, you can do that on location. Cash preferred
(15:10):
seventeen dollars a wreath. Debbie, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
I can't think of anything right off the top of
my head. I do have a co host for the ceremony,
Mike Rivera.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Oh yeah, I will like day known to him.
Speaker 3 (15:31):
He and my daughter went to a community college together.
I've known him since he was twenty years old. He's
like one of my kids. And he's been doing this
now with me for I think this will be a
fifth or sixth year.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Really well, Mike loves me, and I love Mike, so
tell him. I said hi, and again, Debbie, thank you
so much for talking with us today.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
You're welcome, Amber, and I hope your computer behaves itself
and your day goes better.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Welcome back to the al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Amber Banda and today we have someone who I would
like to say is becoming my best friend. Felipe Solis,
Executive director of the El Paso Pro Musica, Filippa Philippa,
thank you for talking with us again today.
Speaker 5 (16:21):
It's wonderful to be here. And yes I am and
yes I am.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Yay. I love having you in this station.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
And of course today we're going to be talking about
Al Paso Pro Musica. If you've never heard of this organization,
right here, Philippa is going to give you a little description,
and then we're going to get into some fabulous holiday
events and some events.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
For the new year coming up. Oh my god, in
less than a month. I know, I know, it's.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
Scared, Like, wait a minute, December. Holy, last week was November.
Speaker 2 (16:49):
Yeah, it's already November. I'm already getting requests for February.
In March, I'm like, oh my god, it's still twenty
twenty five, so it's still With that being said Felipa,
al Paso Pro Musica, what is this organization?
Speaker 4 (17:03):
What does it do for the community.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Al Paso Pro Musica is a nonprofit organization that's designed
to bring the greatest musical artists in the world to
the region with the commitment of reaching out to the community,
which means that our mission is to make music accessible
to all. We're led by artistic director and Grammy Award
winner Zuel Bailey, who does absolutely recruit these incredible people
(17:28):
to come to the region. And it's getting very exciting
because all of them are committed to schools, to hospitals
and to make a difference for people who, let's say,
can't come to the concert hall. And so that's a
big commitment for our entire organization to make music accessible,
to take it to a senior center, to take it
(17:49):
to children who maybe you're having to go through infusion,
to take it to anyone who needs it, and especially
students who are excited and feeling passed about music and
hear these people come into town and perform, but take
it to them. So it's kind of from the concert
hall to the classroom and beyond.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
And I love the fact that these big artists are
coming to our city of al Paso, where maybe you
know their type of music, which I guess you could
be described you described it as chamber music.
Speaker 5 (18:18):
Correct chamber music, It can be any kind of genre
with a small group. I mean, when you talk about
a symphony orchestra, that is a large group of musicians
together with a conductor. But chamber music is anything from
a quartet, anctete, a soloist. And that's why our upcoming
concert is so amazing because there are two classically trained
(18:41):
musicians who are taking it all to another level. And
now we're bringing in country.
Speaker 2 (18:49):
Really wow, you know, I am on the country station,
So this is very interesting. So al Paso Pro Musica,
it is a nonprofit and when they come in and
they do these different events, like you said, at has hospitals,
at schools, at centers where the elderly are able to listen,
what kind of benefit or pros do you see that
(19:09):
this music brings in their healing and their learning in
whatever point of in whatever journey they are at their
point of life.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
There's such a wonderful sense of camaraderie of family when
you're sitting there and you can listen to music when
you're sitting there and you're thinking about a thousand things,
if you're at a doctor's office, or when we're doing
music as we will be with Texas Oncology, and we
want to hit everyone with music who need it. Most
(19:40):
a patient, most assuredly a child. Definitively no one wants
to be in the hospital. But then we also want
to take care of the doctors and the nurses and
the family members and bring their just noise level that's
going down to a different kind of a noise level. Yeah,
(20:02):
and make everything again accessible. Accessibility is the key.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
And you know, I find a lot of therapy from
rock music and you know, you know, the mashkits, but
then it's almost like this this type of music, especially live,
which is you know what they focus on live music
in this setting, it puts your like brain waves and
a certain type of you know, wavelength to be able
to kind of just settle down, even if it's just
for thirty minutes or an hour, for however.
Speaker 4 (20:26):
Long they're playing.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And then, you know, this type of music, I find
that these people just they love their instruments, they love
what they do, and that really, you know, bleeds into
whoever is experiencing that concert. And real quick with the
al Paso promosic, how you say you work with students
in what capacity.
Speaker 5 (20:43):
Well, we have wonderful relationships with area schools where we
can take the musical artists to schools primarily artistic director
and do presentations, do master classes. We have a wonderful
relationship with the University of Texas at all Passo's Department
of Music where we do masterclasses. We recently brought in
(21:03):
a world renowned Spanish guitarist and he worked with all
of the guitar students and other students to be able
to just hear what he has to say, listen to
his advice, listen to his musical advice and coaching. And
so those are the kinds of things that we do
in The students that we reach can be anywhere from
pre cata university level.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
So again, if you're just tuning in, I am talking here.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
With Philippe A.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Solis, executive director of al Paso Pro Musika, and I
want to now focus on the events that people can
go and be a part of, go and listen to.
There's a couple of events that you have coming up
for this month as well as going into next month.
So Philippe, I'm gonna let you decide which one do
you want.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
To talk about first.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
I want to talk about our upcoming concert that's going
to be something that will be great for the whole family,
and that is the multiple. I believe he's got over
ten Grammys Market partners an Appalachian Christmas featuring his wife,
Maggie o'coonter, and he's been doing this for a number
of years. He did a recording about twelve years ago
(22:07):
where he was featured with the great opera singer Renee
Fleming and the great Yo Yoma And he just recorded
a new Christmas CD with his wife Maggie and it's magnificent.
Remembering too. They're classically trained, but they've kind of pretty
much taken a huge nose dive into the world of
(22:28):
kind of country music and fiddling and roots in Appalachia,
and so they both play the violin, so actually they're
both fiddlers and he'll bring out his guitar Mark and
Maggie sings, and it's just going to be all sorts
of wonderful songs that are comforting, that are I mean
(22:50):
fun things like Winter Wonderland and Sleigh Ride, but also
silent Night and songs that are soothing and wonderful with
that country flair. That's going to be very different from
anything we've presented. They did come last season and people
were amazed at everything that they were bringing to the table,
like Wow, classically trained musicians, Maggie, she went to Johns Hopkins,
(23:15):
she went to the Peabody School of Music, and yet
this is what her niche is. So it's so wonderful
that we're going to have a whole different kind of
a concert that is great for the whole family. They've
got busy schedules. They're traveling everywhere. They've been doing this
holiday concert all over the country since November fifteenth, so
just this week there in Chicago and they're going on
(23:36):
and then they come to al Paso and they really
make a difference.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
I'm glad that they're making al Paso one of their
roots here. You know, Mark O'Connors, you said, how did
you say that word? I say Appalachian I have.
Speaker 5 (23:48):
But Mark refers to it as Appalachi, okay, and I
think and he said that based on the roots that
he has and Tennessee and such that was his nunciation.
So we'll call it an Appalachian Christmas until right, I'm potato, Potato,
I am whatever it is supposed.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
To be, right, whatever they refer to it as right,
it's there are well, Tennessee. That explains why maybe they
wanted to add some country to it, right, and again
featuring his wife, who's gorgeous by the way, Maggie O'Connor.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
And nice people too, so nice, so wonderful, so caring,
so giving. They will be backstage afterwards and we'll meet everyone,
and they're just very much a part of communities. They
like to engage in communities like that where you don't
have to be shy.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Around the well, like what we were talking about earlier, right,
when you're around that type of music, it kind of
puts your brain into these brainways.
Speaker 4 (24:43):
I mean, that's why they're so nice. They're always so
calm with the.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Music, and they get to be around that so often.
Speaker 5 (24:48):
Absolutely. There's a study recently, and this is classical, that
there was a scientist working with cancer cells and how
the cancer cells were adjusting according to what they were hearing. Wow,
the cancer culls were not multiplying when listening to Beethoven's filth.
Speaker 3 (25:11):
Oh.
Speaker 4 (25:11):
Wow, that's interesting.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
So many things that happen in the human body when
we allow music to just saturate our souls.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Right, and really you know experience it, and you know,
doing these things live helps you to experience it more
and again. This Applacian Christmas is going to be at
the UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall Monday, December fifteenth
at seven thirty pm. And I love the fact that
you said that the songs that they're going to be
performing because it's family friendly, are songs that families are
(25:44):
going to be familiar with, because I think that maybe
is something that may turn some people aware. It's like, Okay,
I've never heard of them, but they're playing music I've
never heard of, Like why would I go see them?
But it's songs that people can sing along to. They're
going to be familiar with.
Speaker 5 (25:57):
Feet stomping is encouraged. Also, I believe that Mark will
be performing as Appalachian waltz that he does that's really
supersonic and he composed it, and I mean he's got
There are schools all over the country that use it's
called the Mark O'Connor method in teaching oh wow, youngsters
how to play the violin. I know some of the
(26:19):
schools in the Sokoto district have incorporated some of it
into their curriculum. And it's really fantastic to see what
he's done because yes, you perform in concert. But how
does that touch everyone?
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Right?
Speaker 5 (26:33):
How does that make the difference for our future to
love and appreciate all genres of music. But this time around,
we're going country and we're loving it.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
Oh cool. Yeah, and especially right now.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
You know, my daughter she just started band for the
first time this year and actually she's going to have
her first concert coming up. So if you have a
student that is learning to play an instrument in band
or orchestra, and that instrument is going to be you know,
if they're going to be using that to perform in
this event or the event we're going to talk about
right now, that's wonderful for those kids to go and see, hey,
I'm playing flute, I'm playing violin, I'm playing you know,
(27:09):
whatever the case is, and then see it being performed
by these professionals, and then, like you said, these professionals
Mark and Maggie being so loving and wanting to talk
to the people afterwards. That's an excellent time for your
child to be able to experience the behind the scenes too.
Speaker 5 (27:23):
Wonderful. It's a wonderful experience for children. And just you know,
the idea that oh my gosh, there are no divas allowed.
These are people who are believe so much in their
art that they're going to share it with everyone and
they're going to be friendly and happy and wonderful, and
that's what that's what it's all about exactly, is music
(27:44):
is to be shared and to love for love and
to give back.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Oh definitely, I mean, you can't just keep good music
to yourself.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
Speaking of which, we have another series of events, the
al Paso Pro Musica Chamber Series.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Correct Yes, and in January we're going to be celebrating
zul Bailey's twenty fifth anniversary with Opasso Pro Musica and
he's going to have his first concert on January fourteenth
called zul Bailey and Friends, where he's bringing the Vega Quartet,
this incredible violinist talent Kim who's just a delight Yinsi Kang,
(28:23):
William Ransom, and they're going to have a couple of
concerts where they're going to be playing so much glorious
music that's classical. But there's one piece that's called by
a Spanish composer named Durina, and it's like a cancion dalus,
which means it's from southern Spain, so it's almost kind
of Flamenco sound castanet. Yes, and then they'll also be
(28:46):
they'll be doing music by Piazzola Pizzola from Aracantina, and Jesusapodaca,
who heads up the Base Department at the UTEP Department
of Music, will also be performing with them, so we
love when that happens. Then we're bringing in a another
Grammy Award winner, Paul Jacobs, who's an organist, and that's
going to be in a different venue at the Church
of Saint Clement, So that's going to be super fantastic.
(29:09):
He is a Grammy Award winner and his work was
also on the same CD that won zul the Grammy
called Tales of Hemingway.
Speaker 4 (29:18):
Oh Wow.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
That was written by a new dynamic composer, Michael Doherty,
And so it's just really wonderful that they have. He's
got so many connections with so many people out there.
And then the Juilliard String Quartet, they're a whole new
group because the Juilliard String Quartet has been around since forever,
but these are the best of the best and they're
(29:40):
young and fun and we hope they'll be super exciting.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
And ah, this one looks like the Juilliard string quartet
looks really neat. For again, if your child is playing violin,
because I know, I don't know like a lot of
the kids right now they're getting into the string instruments,
that one looks like a really really fun one to
take them too.
Speaker 5 (30:01):
Wonderful for them, very inspiring because they're going to be
looking at people on stage who are young. Here's another
thing about our youth. Al Passo Pro Musica is not
touching the prices of the tickets. So our adult tickets
are twenty five dollars, Senior military is twenty All students.
All students, it doesn't matter what your age is. If
you're taking classes at al Paso Community College and you
(30:21):
are some older people have said, hey, I'm a student,
that's absolutely wonderful. All student tickets five dollars.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
There you go, and again the money that's raised, it
goes back into al Paso Pro Musika to continue to
do these types of events for the community and bring
that music into Il Paso. Felippa, you're so very well
versed in this, and you know, obviously you're the executive
director of al Paso Pro Musika. So with the last
couple of minutes we have here, I'd like to ask you,
(30:52):
why are you so passionate? What got you involved in
this organization?
Speaker 5 (30:56):
My life story in just a couple of minutes. I
grew up in the world of dance. My dad was
a renowned choreographer named Antonio Triana, and my mom was Riana.
She taught at UTEP for thirty five years Spanish and
so Spanish and Flamenco. So whenever that comes up, I'm like, whoo,
I'm all over it. But I grew up in this
world of music and dance and my dad playing records
(31:19):
and we'd have to sit and listen to it. And
that's how I knew who Bach and Beethoven were, because I,
you know, it was just and it was a humble
we were. It was a humble universe of understanding that
art comes from your heart. And then I went, of
course into broadcasting for many many years, and that's a
(31:39):
very big passion of mine too. But I you know,
life does full circle, and that's what is so important
to me is what my dad taught me on how
important sharing art is with all so that everyone has
a piece of it, children, especially because it's all in
(32:00):
the hands of the future. I mean, people can say
that classical music is unattainable, but it is attainable when
you make it accessible right exactly, and so that's the
key to the mission of the organization. That is what
drives me.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
If you will, Yeah, wonderfully said, and again, so happy
anytime to have you on again. Philippe Soles, executive director
for Al Paso Promusica. Philippa, thank you so much for
talking with us today.
Speaker 4 (32:27):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (32:27):
It's always a joy to be here with you. Amber.
Speaker 1 (32:29):
Of course, you've been listening to El Paso Public Forum,
a weekly public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you,
your organization or event would like to be featured on
an upcoming program, please email to ep Forum at iHeartMedia
dot com or call us at nine one five three
five one five four zero zero. Tune in again next
(32:50):
week for another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The
preceding program was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso.
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