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According to the program for the Marin Music Chest, of which Chuck
is a member of the board, that honored Hugo Rinaldi on May 3, 2009,
"Hugo brought the benefits of his performance as a professional
violinist and conductor to his work with young people. His
association with Leonard Bernstein on the opera "Candide" and
"West Side Story"; working as assistant conductor with John
Williams on "Star Wars"; as well as being assistant conductor
for the San Francisco Civic Light Opera reinforced that level of
excellence. Hugo served as a Professor of Music three summers at the
prestigious Academy of Opera in Vienna, Austria adding additional
luster to his career in the international arena." Hugo was also a
professor of music for Dominican College in San Rafael, CA.
Chuck and Don acclaim Hugo Rinaldi the IAEE Educational
Entrepreneur of 2009, for his long and successful career as a
music educator and educational entrepreneur in music. The following
are Don's remarks on May 3rd when the Marin Music Chest paid a
tribute to Hugo Rinaldi:
"Hugo, you are beloved by your friends, former students, and
citizens of San Rafael and Marin County for your charm and humanity
as well as your remarkable artistry. You enjoy superstar status
rarely afforded to a music educator and virtuoso.
I had the great pleasure of working with numerous talented and
dedicated educators when I was superintendent of the San Rafael City
Schools in the 1970s. I am especially proud to have had the
opportunity to work with you because you are the most talented,
dedicated and outstanding music educator with whom I have worked
during my 40 plus years as an educator. On behalf of the thousands of
youth you have assisted during your career, we thank you and honor
you today for instilling the love of music and motivating many
students in San Rafael and Marin County to aspire to greater
accomplishments in music.
During the 1970s, the fiscal challenges confronting the San Rafael
City Schools were horrendous due to declining enrollment and
Proposition 13. The Board of Education had to make some very
difficult decisions in cutting the budget. When I approached you
about cutting the music budget, your response was, "Don't worry Don,
we will continue to have an outstanding music program in San Rafael
because the parents will help me make it so." Thanks to your
leadership, the financial support from the San Rafael City Schools'
Music Council, and PTAs, and the talented music educators you
recruited, the music program continued to achieve the high and worthy
goals you set forth.
Hugo, I am sure those in attendance here today, join me in
thanking you for all you have done for the San Rafael City Schools
and Marin County in directing, leading and promoting quality music
education in numerous capacities during you long tenure. You are a
Treasure to the San Rafael City Schools and Marin County, not only
for your remarkable artistry, but also for the irrepressible joy in
dedicating you life to music and the arts for our youth. Marin is
truly blessed because of your numerous contributions.
We all wish you and your lovely wife, Faith, long and healthy
lives. You have left a legacy that will be long remembered, and you
are truly the MAESTRO OF MARIN."
The following are Quotes from Letters from former students and
friends received for Hugo Rinaldi's Memory Book which Don presented
to him at the Tribute to Hugo Rinaldi on May 3, 2009:
"Thank you for everything, Hugo, but most of all, for the
opportunity you presented to me thirty-one years ago."
Bob Calonico, former music teacher, SRCS
"I fondly remember watching the incredible way you worked with
students; getting their thinking in to the composers "head" as they
learned and played the music."
Dr. John Donovan, former administrator,
SRCS
"Personally, your encouragement and your trust in me - first as a
violinist, then as a violist, and then as a student conductor - were
precious gifts that I continue to carry with me."
Kurt Giambastiani, former student
"Hugo has generously, persistently, and intentionally shared of
his great gift - with modesty, discernment, open-heartedness, and an
understanding of the actual needs of a music community."
Scott Kluksdahl, former student
"Hugo's encouragement, his generosity and his compassion have
stayed with me, as have the memory of these many experiences, and for
this I will always be grateful."
Peter Kupfer, former student
"I personally am grateful for the experience, time and passion for
music you shared with us as young teens."
Charisee Castagnoli, former student
"Thank you for believing in me. I am still so proud to have been
associated with your music making in Marin County."
Marian Marsh, Teacher at San Domenico
School
"Your enthusiasm and passion for music and music education are
matchless and a true and continuing source of inspiration."
Joy Peterson, Hugo's former secretary
"Thank you is not sufficient, for my life is richer and fuller and
constantly filled with music…and to you - I will forever be so
very grateful."
Kathy Scott, former student
"Now, as I embrace my fifth decade, I remain most grateful for
"the gift of music" which forever plays within my heartstrings as I
often walk in the silence of war-torn soils/souls seeking to "plant
the roots of peace…"
Heidi Thomas Kuhn, former student
"Thank you, thank you, thank you…and congratulations for
your many years of dedication to music education, the performing arts
in general and to the cultural enhancement of all the lives you have
touched over the years."
Dr. Gary Walker, former student
"Hugo established a standard of excellence in music in the San
Rafael City School District that is recognized throughout Marin
County and elsewhere."
Sue Beittel, former SRCS Board Member
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