The Music Man! - Honoring Rick Vars Across the East Bay!

"If you look up Townie Pride in the dictionary, Rick Vars picture will be there," - George Sarganis.”

"We received very devastating news after Rick's recent MRI. A new tumor has grown very rapidly ... he has had difficulty and weakness the past few days. Rick has a few weeks to a few months to live..." With those devastating words from Claudia Vars to family and friends of beloved school band teacher Rick Vars, a collective heartbeat stopped momentarily across East Providence and much of the East Bay region. Claudia Vars had been keeping everyone apprised of her husband's brave battle with brain cancer for much of the past year. Recently there had been hope for improvement and possible good news as Rick was able to come home from a Boston hospital to share Thanksgiving dinner with family. But then in mid-April the news grew more ominous. Rick Vars was sent home with Hospice care.

Claudia Vars asked if anyone had a small ramp they could borrow for their Portsmouth, RI home. "We want to get Rick out and enjoy the nice weather and scenery while we can," she explained. Needless to say, in no time, the Vars had a ramp and on a good day Rick could sit outside briefly in the yard overlooking the Sakonnet River, that he loves so much.

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 Martin Principal, John 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. "He had seventh, eighth and ninth grade students practicing well above what was expected of junior high students. Each year many of our Martin Junior High students were recognized for their exceptional talents at the RI Band Directors Festival," added Rezendes. "Mrs. Claudia Vars was also a wonderful part of the program. She supported Rick and was a part of every show and program in which the band students were involved. She became an integral part of our band success story," said Rezendes.

Rick Vars became assimilated with East Providence tradition from day one. He guided Martin Junior High to prominence and his band students called themselves the "Wizzards of Vars!" Holiday concerts, special events, city parades all became highlights for many in the city. "I love EP and I've been made to feel like a real Townie," Rick Vars would tell this writer on many occasions throughout his career in East Providence. And so when it was time for Jack McNamara to move on it was automatic that Vars take over the baton at EPHS. As word of Rick Vars' illness has reached the communities in which he taught music, the tributes have been non-stop. "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: "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.

Across social media former students from different high schools have joined together in a concert of love and testimony for their beloved band leader. "He taught our Middletown HS band in the early 80's and we are just heartbroken about the sad news," Melissa Pineault tells Sarah Geremia of EP. "We all came together as a group on FB and we are just pouring our hearts out for him and talking about special memories we all made because of him. Teachers are very special and I believe you were taught by the best. Please consider yourself lucky, he's a Gem!! We love him dearly. Maybe it took 30 years later to realize it , and your students will too .... someday. Do what he did with us, we all respected each other. That's not to say there were not some kids back then that caused trouble, but it's how Rick handled it. He never turned anyone in. He just talked to us about right vs wrong. Enjoy your path of being a special band teacher , you are respected whether you may realize it or not," Pineault tells Geremia.

Rick Vars loved performing as well as teaching music. Often he would help to form an impromptu band with band leaders Jack McNamara of EPHS and Gaston Malloy of Riverside Junior High as they would entertain various school meetings and gatherings within the city. Vars was an aficionado of Beatles music. He would enjoy talking "Beatles music" with close friend and former colleague George Sarganis. "I first met Rick when he arrived at Martin Jr. High in the mid 80’s. Meeting Rick for the first time felt like we had been friends for years. Being a frustrated “Band Geek” for years it quite apparent that Rick and I shared the same sense of humor and were enthusiastic about music," said Sarganis. Sarganis has been visiting with the Vars often during this time of illness and sadness for so many. Sarganis and his wife Claire have brought meals to the Vars home and have shared fond memories together. Sarganis recalls how they became especially close as the two helped Jack McNamara chaperone a band trip to Disneyworld in Florida. "It was probably the most eventful trip of our teaching careers and thinking back, probably the most comical," Sarganis chuckled. "I was able to get to know Rick and Claudia on a personal level and to this day we reminisce about that particular Florida trip," he said. "We have shared much happiness and much sorrow but none as devastating as this. Rick will always be in our lives as will Claudia."

Vars' days as EPHS band director have left a permanent mark of success, very deep within all associated with Townie music education. The famous Townie marching band continued to excel under Rick Vars leadership. Many people attending EPHS footbal games would comment on how professional the halftime shows were. "Football teams can be up and down with wins and losses depending on talent. But the band must sound good every game, every year!" half-joked former EPHS principal, the late Arthur Elmasian. "We always appreciated the support of the band," said former EP football coach Sandy Gorham. "If we were struggling on the field and the fans were on our backs, we could always count on the great Townie bands to support us in a positive way," added Gorham. It wasn't just the marching bands, but Rick Vars put together concert, symphonic, wind ensembles, and other types of band configurations wherever he taught. After moving on from EPHS, Vars led the Tiverton High band program and then returned to East Providence for one last stint before retirement.

The social media outpouring of support is growing in admiration for Vars. Kim Dasilva writes: "Mr. Vars was quite possibly the best teacher I ever had. I was close to quitting band after middle school ... I wanted to learn percussion .... when I got to EPHS, Mr. Vars was the first person to say yes. I will forever be thankful to him for the doors he opened. I made so many great memories and met so many amazing people that I would have missed out on because he said yes. Thank you Mr. Vars, you are in my thoughts and I wish you a speedy recovery. We all know you can beat this!"

Terri Penha Latimer, a Townie graduate, is a teacher now in Seekonk, Mass. She runs an annual talent show there and is an accomplished vocalist with the popular Brother to Brother band. "Mr. Vars was an important part of my high school musical career. Claudia Carlson Vars was as well. She would help me with my voice from time to time and Mr. Vars (who was the new band director at Martin) would help out Mr. Mac with marching and concert band. Wherever Rick was (aka Blueberry Muffin!) was also Claudia!" writes Latimer. "Mr. Vars was helping out with the band festival at the middle school I teach at in Seekonk. I gave him the BIGGEST hug because I love this man!!! He is a true genuine man who is kind and makes everyone around him feel good ... not to mention his great passion for music, runs off on anyone who is around him!" added Lattimer.

EPHS graduate, Sergio P Ferreira was indebted to Vars for giving him a chance to be in the band. "Mr. Vars made a big impact in my life. When I was in Martin Jr. High I didn't pass the music test, so I asked him if I could still join the band, he said yes. From there on I spent 10 years playing in school bands, community bands, also making great friends along the way. So Mr. Vars, thanks for believing in me and letting me join the band. We all owe you our thanks for your dedication to EP music program!!"

"Love to Mr. Vars and his wife. Rick made a wonderful impression on me and my son," said Gail Duarte of EP. "Rick had a great respect for all kinds of music and the people who made it. He pushed my son - gently - to achieve more than he would have otherwise. He made band and band parenting a wonderful experience for us both.

Tricia Machado added that when her daughter Amanda "joined the EPHS Band it was all about Mr. Vars, she adores him and we all know why! She became drum major so she could lead his band!" she writes. "To this day, my favorite one-liner from Mr. Vars is - ask yourself this question; I made a mistake, and I won't do it again," says Ryan Pina.

Crystal Cardoza Monteiro teaches in East Providence. Her husband is the newTownie football coach. "Mr. Vars is a true class act who knows how to get the crowd moving through music! Townie Pride @ its best!" Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon also teaches in East Providence. "We love you Rick. You are a beloved member of our Townie community and you and your family are in our thoughts," she writes.

Rick Vars has also been the Drum Captain, Commodore and Vice Commodore of the Colonial Navy Fife and Drum Corp. Vars loves the drums and enjoyed travelling and marching with this group. "Under his leadership dramatic change was brought about and the Fleet has grown in both numbers and musical ability," said David Kiley. Vars' last performance with the Colonial Navy group was on June 15, 2014 at a Flag Day ceremony. On April 18th 28 members of the Colonial Navy corps honored Rick and Claudia by marching on his street to his front door to perform for Rick. "He loved it," said Kiley.

The comments of love and admiration for Rick Vars could fill the pages of this newspaper 100 times over. A "Go Fund Me" page has been created to raise funds for the purchase of a bronze plaque that will be placed in the Middletown High School Band room "in honor of our former band director" (http://www.gofundme.com/s993k7q4).

Tabitha Watjen, a teacher at EPHS, has developed a facebook page for Townies and others to send a comment or photo to Rick Vars. "He was a significant figure in the growth and development of one of the best music programs around. As the band director at both Martin Middle School and East Providence High School for many years, he made an impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues. His passion and pride for East Providence is unparalleled! He truly embodies all that is Town Pride. Let's use this page to send Rick positive thoughts, positive energy and tons of Townie Love!," writes Watjen. Go to the 'Townie Love for Rick Vars' facebook group to view or comment.

(As of this writing, Rick Vars is on hospice care and aware of the outpouring of emotional support he is receiving. He isn't doing well. In addition to social media, you can send Rick a card or note at: 456 Water Street, Portsmouth, RI 02871)