Performer recalls Hot Springs' Vapors' stage

By The Associated Press

The Vapors Dinner Theater in Hot Springs featured Las Vegas acts of the 1960s and 70s - Sonny and Cher were among the most memorable performers - and while some may remember the classic shows, few recall that Arkansas Tech University associate professor of music and director of bands Hal Cooper played bass guitar for all of them and more.

"Vapors was part of what they called the Playboy circuit," Cooper said. "All of these acts from Vegas would come and I played with the house band, so I was able to meet a lot of talented people.

"I met a lot of people in show business, and was able to pick up electric bass while playing these shows because a lot of them would have kind of a rock feel to them."

Cooper started out playing bass for many jazz bands and had aspirations to play professionally in a jazz group, but also played tuba in the Henderson State University marching band before graduating in 1966.

After graduation, he went to work as band director for Sheridan High School and then El Dorado High School, where Cooper said he thought Arkansas Tech began taking notice of his talents as a director.

"I grew up in Texarkana, Texas, and went to school at Henderson State, so I was mainly in the southern portion of the state and didn't know a lot about Tech," Cooper said. "I would look out into the audience and see Gene Witherspoon and Bob Casey (both former band directors from Arkansas Tech). I knew them professionally, but not a lot about the Tech system, but knew they were taking notice of what I was doing."

After the passing of Witherspoon, Tech began a search for a director of bands, and Cooper matched what they wanted for the position. He has been at Tech for more than 30 years now.

"The Tech band tradition is so entrenched and so well-established that anyone who comes in here in a leadership position is just there to carry on that magnificent tradition," Cooper said.

"The system attracts outstanding musicians from all over. I feel like my position is just to be the guy who points the musicians in the right direction and off they go."

Cooper considers his part in the band program modest, while others see him in a more pivotal role.

Scholarships are named after him and he has served as president and member of music-affiliated groups like the American Band Masters Association and Phi Beta Mu. He has played in the Arkansas Symphony, the Fort Smith Symphony and the Southern Arkansas Symphony along with several jazz groups across the state.

In 2004, the ATU band had the opportunity to play for many professional musicians and conductors of the American Band Masters Association.

"This is a very select group, an honorary fraternity of band conductors," Cooper said. "It's one of those things that doesn't happen, and if it does, it is a once in a lifetime situation. I was very honored we were asked."

When not working, Cooper said he and his wife Beth, sons Clay, Hal Jr. and Tracy and daughter Mindy have always enjoyed getting out into nature by enjoying trips to national parks.

The elder Cooper also has a keen interest in golf. Cooper's kids have grown and have lives and most have professions of their own, while Cooper himself is approaching retirement.

"I don't know for sure when I will retire," Cooper said. "When I do, I would like to see the band program at Tech continue in the proud tradition it has in the past 85 years.

"I just want everyone to know any success that has come to me has come from people who have supported me along the way. My wife is a very strong person and a tremendous help, along with all my colleagues and the administration I work under."