The management and musical abilities of Bellevue High School teacher Vince Caruso have struck a chord with a national publication, which recently named him as one of the nation’s 50 band directors who are making a significant difference in music education.
Caruso was chosen for the honor by School Band and Orchestra magazine, which annually selects one director who deserves the honor from each U.S. state.
“I’m very proud to be on the list,” Caruso said. “Other directors I know who have been honored in the past all are excellent teachers. “
The selection team said Caruso and the other notable directors represent “a reason to have confidence that music will find its way through the dark and twisting maze of funding and bureaucracy and into the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s leaders.”
More than 20,000 music directors read the monthly magazine, which focuses on the management aspects of running a successful music program.
Caruso has taught at Bellevue High School for nine years of his 15-year career. He leads 115 students involved in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band and Pep Band – as well as an after-school Jazz Club. Caruso told the magazine he tries to be a person students “can trust and a musician they can follow. Hopefully, those things lead to a musical experience that is memorable for them.”
Reaction from his students confirmed that the publication made a good choice.
“Under Mr. Caruso’s direction, I entered BHS as an uninspired sax player and upon graduation decided to pursue music as a major in college,” said Misha Bigos, a 2006 graduate, now a senior music student at Gonzaga University, who plays keyboards professionally.
One thing students quickly learn about Caruso is that he’s organized and expects the same from them.
“Students need it, and parents and administrators appreciate it,” Caruso said. “You have to be a model for what you expect of your students.”
Caruso shares credit with others.
“It definitely helps that the district has a music curriculum coordinator, Pam Schroeder, who keeps the music teachers informed and on the same page. We have a high concentration of good band directors this district. I am fortunate to have the Chinook Middle School students coming to me well prepared. Their director, Todd Mahaffey, teaches them all the necessary ‘nuts and bolts’ of music and provides them a quality middle school band experience. I also continue to learn from hanging around Newport High Director Matt Eisenhauer, Sammamish High Director Mark Wilbert, Newport High School and Tyee Middle School Director Edd George and Tillicum Middle School Director Andy Rubesch.”
Caruso is known for having a knack of programming music that makes students sound their best, often earning honors in musical competitions.
“There have been concert performances and festival trophies over the years to be proud of,” he notes, “but what makes me most satisfied is when former students visit and they talk about fond memories from their high school band experience.”
A Facebook group, “BHS Band,” connects current and former students and is a place for the community to find information on upcoming concerts and events. Bellevue High School will host its 28th annual jazz festival April 30-May 1, where 50 middle and high-school jazz bands compete. The public is invited.
Monies raised from entry fees and concert admissions ensure funding to cover the basics of the entire band program.
