Veteran Retired Band Director Vars Honored by Martin Middle School

"Always positive, encouraging and full of love, there is much to be admired about Mr. Vars."”

Aguiar Pimentel

Vars Protégé Pimentel asks mentor to Present First Ever "Rick Vars Award"

Martin Middle School of East Providence has announced the creation of an annual award in honor of retired music educator, Rick Vars. The award was the idea of a former student of Rick Vars, who is herself, the current band director for Martin. "As a tribute to Mr. Vars and all of his contributions during his tenure at Martin Middle School, we are instituting an award in his honor. The Richard M. Vars Outstanding Service and Spirit Award will be given annually to an 8th grade Martin Middle School Band student who will be recognized for displaying some of Mr. Vars' best qualities," said Martin band director, Susana Aguiar Pimentel. Aguiar Pimentel and other former students of Rick Vars, along with former colleagues from throughout Rhode Island have been heaping praise upon the ill music aficionado.

Aguiar Pimentel explains that the recipient will be someone who "exhibits a tremendous love and passion for the art of music, demonstrates on-going dedication and commitment to the program, and serves as a role-model who is looked up to by others." Aguiar Pimentel was a member of the Martin band directed by Rick Vars in the early 1990's and later was a band member at East Providence High School, graduating in 1998.

"I remember being in the library when Mr. Vars approached our class with a list in his hand containing the names of the students who had passed the Farnum test. I sat in anticipation, but much to my dismay, my name was not called...I fought back the tears and was not able to concentrate for the remainder of the day," recalls Aguiar. This story is not unlike that of several other students through the years. Former students have fondly recalled how they weren't "chosen" to be in the band "on paper" but were given a chance by Vars, only to make and excel as band members.

"As soon as I got home (in 1992) I begged my mom to call Mr. Vars to see if he might make an exception. Luckily, he agreed to allow me into the program, and the rest is history. 23 years later, and in my 13th year of teaching, I find myself at his podium, keeping his legacy alive. I was so fortunate to have been placed with him during my student teaching and I am infinitely grateful for all of the mentoring he provided," Aguiar Pimentel said as she announced the Vars award.

Today, Rick Vars is also being honored by students and colleagues he has taught at Middletown High, Tiverton and by the Colonial Navy Drum & Fife Corps of which he is a member and former Commodore. You can read an earlier story on Rick Vars, published by The Reporter, by logging on to Reportertoday.com.

"Always positive, encouraging and full of love, there is much to be admired about Mr. Vars. I feel that this award is a very personal way for us to stay connected to the influence he has over his students and to show our appreciation! I would like to extend an invitation to Mr. Vars to present the first award at this year's award ceremony!" said Aguiar Pimentel.