In tune with music, students: Honor goes to Calcari of GHS

[ Originally published on: Monday, May 05, 2008 ]

GREENFIELD -- The man many refer to as Greenfield's ''Music Man'' Saturday night received top honors from the Pioneer Valley Symphony.

Paul Calcari, who has been director of music for the Greenfield public schools for the past 22 years, was presented the sixth annual Gottschalk Memorial Award for his outstanding work in music performance and education.

''For many years, Paul Calcari has done magnificent work as the band and choral director at Greenfield High School, leading large and vibrant performing groups that have received statewide acclaim,'' according to a statement the PVS released before the event.

More than 100 filled the banquet hall at Bill's Restaurant on Federal Street shortly after 6 p.m. to honor Calcari and Patricia MacLachlan, children's author and educator who lives in Williamsburg and also received a Gottschalk Memorial Award for her work in literature and education.

''This was the surprise of my life,'' said Calcari. ''When they told me, I just thought, not me. I'm a high school teacher and I love my kids, but, why me?'' The award is a memorial to Nathan Gottschalk, who was the music director and conductor of the PVS for 37 years from 1956 to 1993. Gottschalk died in 2001. His wife, Polly, attended Saturday night's award ceremony.

''Nathan was a nationally famous educator,'' said Calcari. ''He really inspired me.'' Calcari has been working with the PVS for many years. His high school chorus has sung with the symphony a number of times.

''We borrow from the PVS and it borrows from us,'' he said. ''We have a great relationship.'' Calcari is ''very appreciative'' that the symphony decided to honor him.

''It means a great deal,'' he said.

The local ''Music Man'' said he teaches life lessons, along with music, to all of his students.

''When they're tired, I tell them they still have to do it,'' he said. ''When they've done something five days in a row and are bored, I tell them they can't be late. When they're sick of practicing, I tell them they have to keep at it. I tell them they always have to put their best foot forward and persevere, just like in life.''

Calcari's family, friends, colleagues and students sat, enjoying hors d'oeuvres, as Calcari and MacLachlan, who wrote ''Sarah, Plain and Tall,'' received their awards. The PVS String Quintet opened the ceremony and later, MacLachlan read from one of her latest books, ''What You Know First,'' and both the Greenfield High School Select Choir and Jazz Band entertained the crowd.

''He's a great teacher,'' said Jacob Balcanoff, 16, who is a member of Greenfield High School's chorus, Select Chorus, band and jazz band. ''He spends a lot of time with students and is always there when we need him. He deserves this award.''

Jordan Seibert, 17, who is also a member of all four high school musical groups, agreed. ''He helps everyone,'' she said. ''He teaches from experience and it's my privilege to be his student.''

Paul Phillips, PVS music director and conductor, told the crowd that Calcari is the ''Music Man'' of Greenfield, Mass.

''He has touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of students,'' said Phillips. ''PVS has had the honor to work with him. It's not easy to do what he does, working behind the scenes, fighting for budgets and more time.'' Phillips said Calcari makes miracles happen, while facing numerous obstacles and struggles as a public school teacher.

Calcari and MacLachlan received engraved silver trays and standing ovations.

The PVS on May 17 will perform its sixth Nathan Gottschalk Memorial Concert in the Greenfield High School auditorium. The concert, which is called ''New Horizons,'' marks the end of the PVS's 2007-2008 season.

A pre-concert talk will begin at 7 p.m., with the concert following at 7:30 p.m. Two of Calcari's student percussionists will perform with the symphony. For more information, visit: www.pvso.org.

 

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