Tribute to Walter Beeler

Photo board -- memorabilia of conducting history

In the 40 years they have known one another, John Casagrande ’63, M.S. ’67, and Tony Maiello ’65, M.S. ’67, have remained close friends and professional colleagues. They first met at Ithaca College when John was a junior and Tony was an incoming freshman, and from 1966 to 1967 they studied under professor Walter Beeler ’28, M.S. ’45. Both John and Tony work in the music program at George Mason University—John teaches methods classes as an adjunct professor, and Tony has been the director of instrumental studies and director of bands for the past 16 years. Last April they organized a tribute concert for their former professor and mentor, inviting several fellow alumni to participate: Arnald Gabriel ’50 (honorary doctorate ’89), Alfred Fabrizio ’58, M.S. ’66, Jack Bullock ’50, M.S. ’64, Henry Sgrecci ’74, and Robert Webb ’68. Each conductor shared stories, insights, and experiences from his years under Beeler’s guidance. The event introduced a new generation of musicians to a teacher whose former students continue to honor his influence.