Publication select ▼
FRASER — Fraser Public Schools are on a high note.
The district has received recognition for its music department. It’s also gearing up for a concert to coincide with a dedication for one of its longtime teachers.
NAMM Award
The district received recognition for its music program for the 13th year in a row. The Best Community for Music Education designation comes from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). This year, NAMM recognized 975 school districts throughout the nation.
“It’s nice to be acknowledged for the hard work we do, for the 13th year in a row,” said Nic Charland, who heads up the vocal department for Fraser. “Fraser has always prided itself on its performing arts department. Most of the teachers of the performing arts department are products of the Fraser performing arts department.”
According to its website, NAMM started in 1901. The organization works to promote music education and the musical instrument industry. This spans from trade shows to advocacy.
Honoring Pat
Fraser will also be paying tribute to Pasquale “Pat” Pascaretti. The former teacher and band director for 43 years died last June. On April 26, a concert will be held to honor his memory and to commemorate a new wing named after him at the high school.
Charland said Pascaretti had been with the school district since the ’70s and was a fixture of the community. He lived in Fraser, bumping into old students all the time who he’d still remember years after they were in his class.
“He had an uncanny memory for all of his students throughout his years,” Charland said. “Most of us were products of him in some way.”
“Very, very professional,” said Jackie Cole, who accompanied Pascaretti on piano for choir classes for 39 years. “He was very well read. He knew a lot about all kinds of music, composers and history.”
Cathy Rorai teamed up with Pascaretti to teach a humanities class at the high school. She would handle the art and literature side, while he would handle the musical component. The duo did this for over 20 years.
“He was one of a kind,” Rorai said. “One of his favorite expressions was, ‘Music is the universal language.’ Literally every student who walked through those doors, he found a place for them in the choir. For many students that was their place to shine.”
The ceremony will feature performances by Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, Fraser Piano Studies Students, performances from the high school musicals, Fraser Jazz Band and the Fraser Singers. The concert is free of charge to attend.
Following Pascaretti’s death, Rorai said the students talked about how the performing arts wing was a welcoming space.
“High school is a tough time for some kids,” Rorai said. “Particularly if you’re any way out of the norm. But they always felt like in the performing arts wing they were accepted. That was a good, safe place for them. I think he was a large part of that.”
“This wing stands as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Pat, embodying the values and passions that meant so much to him throughout his life,” a press release from the district states. “We believe that this dedication will not only celebrate his memory but also serve as a symbol of the love and strength that unites us as a Performing Arts family.”
The dedication ceremony will take place at the high school at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
