Calumet & Hecla Band

The Calumet & Hecla Band was a band of the miners of the Calumet mine in Michigan.

In the late 19th century, many mining companies established in the Upper Peninsula of the state of Michigan entered an era of economic growth and prosperity. Minerals such as copper and nickel were taken from the ground in large quantities. To help maintain a good reputation with the populace, many companies sponsored bands to perform, entertain, and create a favorable reputation for the companies. In many instances, talented mine workers were offered paid leave to fill the position as a company musician.

By virtue of composition and action, nearly every company band fell under the classifications of either 'concert military band' or 'brass band.' Notable bands of the era include the Phoenix Band, Allouez Band, Central Cornet Band, Keweenaw Band, and the Calumet & Hecla Band (Phillips 1958). Of these and more, the Calumet & Hecla Band (C&H band) received the most national acclaim.

The band that became the C&H band was formed in the late 19th century as the Calumet Miners' (the exact date of creation is disputed). The band consisted of roughly 17 people playing a variety of wind instruments, as well as two percussion instruments. What began small did not stay small. The band was renamed the Calumet & Hecla Band (C&H Band) soon after the turn of the century. Members were given paid leave to perform at dances, historical events, and public concerts. By 1905 the band had grown to about 30 members, and along with the increase in numbers came an increase in skill. The Calumet & Hecla company began recruiting musicians nationally as well as locally. Talented individuals were drawn from notable organizations such as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circuses (Daily Mining Gazette 1977). By 1907 the band was considered second only to the band of the legendary master John Philip Sousa. Sousa himself filled the role of guest conductor in 1913 and was greatly impressed by the skills of the musicians. “Gentlemen, you have here an organization of exceptional ability. The quality of your music is excellent.” (Daily Mining Gazette) Famous musicians such as Herbert L. Clarke (trumpet and cornet virtuoso) came on occasion to solo with the band. At one point the band went to a festival in Detroit with 35 other bands; the others were referred to as simply there for “dress parade” (merely to look good). Though one would think that the UP would not have much of a following in the way of classical music, the concerts put on by the C & H band routinely drew thousands of concert-goers. The band slowly declined after its peak in the decade surrounding 1910. It was disbanded and reformed several times between 1920 and 1934, when the unit was dissolved for good.