Mr. Vogel,

You have been one of the most positive influences on not only my education but my lifestyle, and my future career path. You have given me opportunities that I could never have even dreamed of achieving.

You gave me a sense of purpose, allowing me to help lead the choir as tenor section leader and the student conductor. Throughout my life, I have struggled deeply with knowing where I fit in and what I could possibly bring to the table. In your choir I felt as if I mattered. I felt as if I had up and left, things would not have been the same. And maybe that pretentious of me to say, but it made me feel as if life was worth it. I had a place where I knew I was making a difference. 

You made it possible for me to travel to Memphis my freshman year, Pittsburgh for All State Choir my senior year, and New York City. Not to mention every other opportunity in between that I regrettably turned down due to whatever my reasonings may have been at those times. All State Choir was hands down one of the best memories I have ever made. To this day I still tell people the story of our four hour car ride where you ordered 16 pounds of mulch to your house, and how we got to know one another on a much more personal level. That weekend I had the opportunity to make some of the most beautiful music that I have ever made, and it had given me such a sense of pride that I will never forget. 

Senior year was around the time that I had stopped viewing you as a choir director, but more so as a friend. I had been going through a lot at the time and started missing a lot of select choir rehearsals. You pulled me into your office to discuss what was going on and I just immediately broke down. In that moment it had finally hit me that my struggles were affecting not only me doing what I love, but affecting everyone else in my absence. Even if I didn’t, I felt that I could talk to you about anything and everything. You have sculpted an environment of openness and comfort in that choir room, and you are all that I aspire to be as a choir director one day.

I am aware that there is a lot going down in the music department at this moment in time, and have been in touch with a ton of people about it. I just want you to know that whatever ends up happening, you have done a remarkable job as a choir director, mentor, and a friend. Never doubt that you did not do your job well. Never doubt that you did not touch everyone in the choir’s hearts in some special way.

My life would not be the same without knowing you. I would not be where I am today, and I would not be pursuing a career in music education. You taught me everything that a choir director should be, and without a positive male figure in my life, you have taught me everything that I strive to be as a person. Your love for the art we create, and those around you is admirable. I’m crying.

From the bottom of my heart, I love you, and I thank you.

I wish you and your family the best,

Vinnie Cavallero