Miguel Rosario greets everyone with a smile, much like he did for when I entered his office for our Valpo Life in the Spotlight interview. Rosario is entering his nineteenth year in the Valparaiso High School Band Department, beginning his career in the autumn of 1995. While being a prominent figure in the musical education program for 18 years, Rosario is entering a new chapter in his life as the Band Director after inheriting the position from long-time colleague Mr. Pritchett following his retirement last year.
Rosario says that his favorite thing that he has done so far in music has been, "Working with the children."
Aside from that Rosario has many other musical achievements under his belt; including guest-conducting the Royal Civil Orchestra in Spain as well as guest-conducting the Puerto Rico National Symphony.
Rosario stated that his work in Puerto Rico was especially enjoyable, due to the fact that, "It was the first time my mother was able to see me work professionally."
Yet, Rosario does not allow himself to rest upon his laurels, acknowledging that the upcoming year will be a challenge.
"I look forward to keeping up with many past traditions, for example going to state qualifications with our top two bands," he said.
He also looks forward to implementing his own philosophies of how to assist the students in what he calls, "Technical and instrumental growth."
"This year will be full of a lot of exciting things," Rosario said with a grin.
When asked how it feels to be the band director Rosario says he is excited but does not plan on making any major changes to the band program, and instead looks forward to experimenting with what he hopes will help the students grow to their full musical potential.
Rosario credits his wife, who he has known for over thirty years, with giving him the inspiration and courage to reach where he is today.
"She is the first person who I tell anything to, and I have to give her credit for putting up with all of my whining and craziness," Rosario smiled.
Rosario said his biggest goal this year is to help the students grow as musicians.
"It would also be unrealistic for me to not say that I hope we will succeed at the state competitions as well," he said.
Rosario added that he has already selected an exciting group of pieces for the bands to perform throughout the year. If Rosario were not teaching music, he said he cannot see himself in any other position, but if that were the case he says that he would be composing film scores. Rosario, by the way, is the biggest John Williams fan I have ever met in my entire life, and has met him on more than one occasion.
Having traveled the world on his musical escapades, Rosario said he loves Valparaiso.
What drew him here initially was the school system as well as its proximity to what he calls, "One of the greatest cosmopolitan cities in the world Chicago."
Rosario is a model of an individual who serves his community actively; directing many public concerts, as well as at his church. Using his unique gifts to enrich others lives with music, Rosario believes that sharing one's gifts with others is a core part of the human experience.
To close the interview I asked Rosario what music was to him.
The question was followed by a smile, then a pensive pause, which was only broken when he took a deep breath, and said, "Music is a gift from God, and I cannot imagine myself without it."