Casa Blanca Community School Carries on the Tradition of the Big Chief Music Festival
May 8, 2026
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
“Take it, take it, take it, BIG CHIEF.”
VAH-KI, Ariz. — Community members attended the Big Chief Russell Moore Music Festival at Casa Blanca Community School (CBCS) on April 9. The local bands include Thadai Rock Band, Huerta Brothers Band, Keenan Süke, and Molina Music.
Russell Moore was born in an olas kih (round mud house) on August 13, 1912. His parents are Jose Newton Moore and Amy Rose Bending Moore. He grew up in a village called “Gila Crossing” near the foothills of the Estrella Mountains, as cited in Douglas Yeo’s article.
Moore, the legendary trombonist, had a significant impact on jazz music. He played with Oscar “Papa” Celestin, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, and Sidney Bechet. Moore joined Armstrong’s Orchestra in the mid-1940s, as cited in Lew Shaw’s article.
The Russell Moore Music Fest was established in 1998. In 2000, at the 3rd annual music fest, over 2,500 fans attended the two-day event that featured 17 native bands that performed, as cited in Jean Harmon’s article. The Scottsdale Jazz Festival honored Russell “Big Chief” Moore at the Western Spirit Scottsdale’s Museum of the West on April 24, 2025. Casa Blanca Community School carried on the tradition of honoring Moore in 2026. The festival is getting bigger every year. Ted Huerta and Harrietta Boy spearheaded the event.
Organizers produced a beautiful festival t-shirt. The text on the back of the shirt reads, “I wish every Indian schoolboy and schoolgirl would think about the study of music,” by Big Chief Russell Moore, May 6, 1967. The front of the shirt features the man-in-the-maze art with Moore playing trombone.
Boy, administrative assistant to the board of trustees, said, “Here at Casa Blanca Community School, we incorporate our language and culture into the school curriculum. Our culture and heritage include Big Chief Russell Moore. All the musicians who are playing tonight are local. They’re from Gila River.”
“The kids who are playing tonight, they love music. Music makes you feel good. Russell Moore set the example that Natives can play a wide variety of music. He went into jazz and played with the best musicians,” said Huerta, who is the art and music teacher at CBCS. “My students inspire me. Tom is an exceptional keyboardist. They play their hearts out,” he added.
Keenan Süke, who is a Community member, discussed the importance of having music in schools. He said, “Music has benefits in so many ways. Music makes it possible for the youth to express themselves positively, especially on the reservation.” Musicians are able to express their surroundings through their music. It's also possible for music to heal.
"When someone said "Big Chief" in the jazz scene back in the day, everyone knew who they were talking about. He was an extraordinary trombonist. He set the example for what is possible for native musicians. We can come from Gila River, and we can make it out there,” he added.
James Perez, who plays with Molina Music, reflected on the festival. His music career started at CBCS. He has gone full circle. Now, he encourages young, aspiring musicians to keep playing. He said, “At the original Casa Blanca Community School, Mr. Huerta started me on drums. He encouraged me to keep going. Now, I play with bands such as Gertie and the T.O. Boys, Native Thunder, and Molina Music. It’s good to see the kids play music at the school’s music festival.”