This personal journal includes the early life and career history of Julian Garcia, who served as a Bandmaster for the U.S. Navy. The 23-page diary features handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, ephemera and photographs regarding his U.S. Navy service and personal life.

Julian Garcia was a Filipino American bandmaster for the U.S. Navy. Julian was born in Manila, Philippines on October 17, 1897, to Simeon and Victorina Garcia. Julian described his prospects in the Philippines as “dim and foggy”, but showed an intense ambition in music in his youth through his studies on the clarinet. He emigrated to Honolulu in Hawaii Territory in July 1915 with his parents and brother Crising, after his father joined the U.S. Armed Forces. After working a variety of jobs in and around the naval base in Honolulu, Julian applied to play in the 2nd Infantry Band in November 1916, but was rejected due to his ethnicity. However, he enlisted in the Navy on April 1917, and served as a Musician, 2nd Class, aboard the USS Navajo. He rose through the ranks to become a widely acclaimed Bandmaster on many ships during his many tours of duty until May 1937, when he transferred to the Naval Fleet Reserve. He was stationed at U.S. naval bases in Washington, Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines, but eventually called San Pedro, California, his home later in life. “Being in the United States Navy,” he wrote later in life, “I consider myself very lucky and fortunate. I am very faithful in the performance of my duty.” During his career, Julian received numerous commendations, including two Good Conduct Awards in his service as Bandmaster. On 1949, Julian retired from the U.S. Navy. Throughout his life, Julian was an active member of the Methodist Church, volunteering as a clarinet soloist for church choirs. Julian passed away on February 6, 1959, in Los Angeles, California.

23 pages

All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Bulosan Center Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California and the Bulosan Center for Filipinos Studies as the owner of the digital surrogate.

A digital copy of the journal is open for research.