Dec. 2nd Concert at Rhode Island College to Honor Beloved Rick Vars - The Music Man

December 2nd Concert at R.I.C. Roberts Hall 7:30 P.M.

On May 12, 2015, the East Providence School Committee voted unanimously and with heavy hearts to name the iconic EP HIgh School band room in honor of its former music director, Richard "Rick" Vars. That night the gravely ill Vars was informed of the band room naming by his wife Claudia. "That's so nice," Vars smiled. On May 14, 2015, Rick Vars died, losing his brave battle with brain cancer.

Former Martin Junior High Principal John Rezendes was among several speakers who urged the school committee to name the high school band room for Vars. Rezendes was Principal when Vars was hired to replace the popular Jack MacNamara who was moving on to the high school. "Rick is a person of great character and a wonderful teacher as well as a great role model for students," said Rezendes. "The young musicians he taught played music at a level well above their age, this is in large part due to the enthusiasm he transferred to his kids. They loved him and we ask you to consider this request," implored Rezendes.

"I'm here to speak about Rick Vars, the man. He teaches from the heart. He is a very passionate and caring teacher who has done so much for the youth of East Providence," said colleague and friend George Sarganis. "Rick believed that a child who shows heart and desire could do anything they want to do. He believes that tests don't show everything," said Sarganis. "He was impressed with Townie Pride, even more so than many of our own Townies ever did. Rick considers himself a Townie, even though he never lived in East Providence." Sarganis asked the committee to "carry on his legacy by naming the band room in his honor."

And so it went, speaker after speaker, in melancholy yet powerful messages, talked of the great "Townie Love" that existed for Rick Vars. More the same was occurring across the region, especially in Tiverton, Middletown, Mount Hope and other places where Vars had also taught. Band rooms and scholarships were named in honor of Rick Vars.

"As a senior in high school, I had a lot to figure out - including deciding which college to attend, how to keep my nerves at bay during my jazz band trumpet solo, and how to cope with 9/11 and its terrible aftermath. My music teacher and band director extraordinaire, Mr. Vars, supported me through all if it. And he handed me my diploma on graduation day. I wouldn't be where I am today without having had him as a teacher, thanks," said Tiverton High graduate Amy Deschenes.

Former Townie and now a band teacher herself, Sarah Geremia commented two years ago: "As I stumble in this evening after 2 long nights of spring band concerts in Somerset, Rick Vars is on my mind. I consider myself an extremely lucky band teacher to have had the opportunity to student teach with him back in 2006 at EPHS. This time was one of my favorite times within my music teaching career. Rick taught me the importance of making sure the kids have fun within the band program. This has been something that has stuck with me ever since. I still and always will remember our Beatles and jazz talks like 2006 was yesterday. I will remember our laughs at Gregg's in EP on Friday afternoons after school. Rick also taught me the importance of having that socialization time with music colleagues. Rick, you are an inspiration to all. I send hugs to you and Claudia, Cheers!" writes Geremia.

Rick Vars is a 1972 graduate of Rogers High School in Newport, RI and then studied music at Rhode Island College. He received his Masters Degree in music education and launched a career as a music teacher that has brought him an army of former students and music lovers. From 1980 to 1985 he taught band at Middletown High School. Middletown became one of the best known high school bands in the area under Rick Vars. The love of music is certainly in the family as Claudia Vars has been a music educator in Warwick and Middletown public schools where she was Director of Fine Arts and Chorus. She, too, is a renown teacher of music attending URI, RIC and Hartt School of Music.

The appreciation of music education in East Providence is long-standing. Dr. Stephen Farnum retired in 1969, after 34 years as the supervisor of music for the secondary schools in East Providence. Dr. Farnum developed a music test which was administered to schools and colleges across the country. After Farnum retired, John Pavao took over the band and he, too, became a legendary Hall of Fame band director. While Farnum and Pavao led EPHS, a young Townie, John "Jack" McNamara was leading Martin Middle School's band to prominence. Upon Pavao's retirement Jack McNamara took over the helm at the high school. "Mac" as he was known to everyone had done such a great job preparing junior high school band students that some feared the middle-schoolers would regress without McNamara. "That never happened," said retired Rezendes. Rezendes was Vars' first principal in East Providence. Some thought the system might have a problem with Martin losing McNamara, but McNamara said he knew of a perfect candidate for Martin's band. "I know a great band teacher," said Jack McNamara at the time. The rest is history as that new band leader was Rick Vars. Vars applied for the Martin job and became an instant hit with students, parents, colleagues and administrators. "We never missed a beat with Rick at the helm. Our program flourished and the high school benefitted from gaining McNamara," said Rezendes. "Right from the start, we knew Rick was an amazingly talented teacher and musician. Rick was a gifted teacher with his low-key but intense approach to middle school students. He had the students excited and committed to the band program. His Christmas and spring concerts were testaments to the power of leadership with his band students," said Rezendes.

Susana Aguiar-Pimentel is the current Martin Middle School band director. She, too, is a former student of Rick Vars. "I didn't think I would pass the acceptance test to the school band but Mr. Vars gave me a chance and I made it," said a teary eyed but proud Aguiar-Pimentel. Today she follows in Vars footsteps and the school has announced an annual Rick Vars award. "The Richard M. Vars Outstanding Service and Spirit Award will be given annually to an 8th grade Martin Middle School Band student who will be recognized for displaying some of Mr. Vars' best qualities," said Aguiar-Pimentel.

On December 2, 2016, Rhode Island College will honor Rick Vars. "This concert honors the life and the work of the late Richard Vars, 1979 RIC graduate and beloved Rhode Island music educator for over 30 years." The RIC Wind Ensemble is joined by an honor band of high school musicians from the four Rhode Island schools where Vars taught: Middletown, Mount Hope, Tiverton, and East Providence. All ticket sales will be donated to the Richard Vars Music Education Scholarship at Rhode Island College. Tickets are available at www.ric.edu/pfa/orderinfo.php or at the door.