Middletown High School - Cauldron Yearbook (Middletown, CT)

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“Is not music the food of love?” — R.B. Sheridan: THE RIVALS, Act II, Scene I The scene was Puget Sound in the hours before dawn. On the deck of a small boat, the 363rd Armed Forces Band played triumphant marches to welcome the troops returning from active duty in the Pacific. Performing with the band was Santo Fragilio, a young man who left his senior class at Middletown High to serve in the United States Army. His interest in music was kindled long before this commission in the army. As a first grader at MacDonough School, Fragilio began taking violin lessons, a practice he maintained through his college years at the Hartt School of Music. While completing his undergraduate study at Hartt, Fragilio began working part-time as the MHS band director, a position which later evolved into a full-time responsibility upon his graduation from Hartt. In his thrity-three years of service in the Middletown public schools, Fragilio has implemented many innovative music programs and promoted a better appreciation of music. As a young man, Fragilio started the MHS “Select Choir,” now better known as the “Chamber Ensemble.” Fragilio not only was the director of the high school bands, but was also responsible for the entire chorus and music appreciation classes for eighteen years. He has been director of all city bands since 1955. As Coordinator of Music in Middletown since 1975, Fragilio has developed and implemented a music curriculum for all grade levels. He has initiated music clinics, both vocal and instrumental, city-wide festivals, and faculty recitals.

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CAULDRON 1983 Published By The 132nd Graduating Class Of Middletown High School

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As Chairperson of the Middletown Public Schools Cultural Council since 1979, Fragilio has labored with the Middletown Commission on the Arts to enhance culture and music as a beautiful art in the public schools. Every Christmastime, Fragilio directs the annual city-sponsored “Community Sing” on the South Green. In the summer, Fragilio provides entertainment to the crowds at Harbor Park with the Middletown Symphonic Band — a band he created. Plus, Fragilio devotes time to the Middletown Park and Recreation Department in areas dealing with the arts. His most recent community accomplishment was the founding of the Middletown Foundation for the Arts, which represents 16 Middletown arts organizations. In the past two years, Fragilio has become involved in two more community groups. He recently began chairing the Fine Arts Study Committee, bringing the talent of Wesleyan University performers to the schools. As a member of C.A.U.S.E., Fragilio inputs knowledge of both music and education to advocate continued financial support to the Humanities in the city. The musicmakers of Middletown High have performed in front of world audiences because of Fragilio’s rigorous efforts. In 1972, the band toured Europe, delighting audiences in Italy, Germany and even the renowned Vienna Opera House. Fragilio’s expertly trained students were also honored with the invitation to perform at the 1965 World’s Fair. His professionalism has spread to other schools with numerous exchange concerts throughout New England and New York. Today, Fragilio is credited with involving MHS students in Northern Region and All-State music festivals. Fragilio’s musical prowess was recognized by his fellow colleagues. At a conference in Bennington, Vermont in 1972, the MHS veteran unveiled research on a new approach to teaching music to high school students “Music is a lively art — it can only be learned through hearing and participation,” believes Fragilio. This belief has inspired students of music in Middletown for over three decades. Something has to be right. The reason for Middletown’s very successful music program is because of one man, who started it all four decades ago. Santo Fragilio, as a teacher of music, musician, coordinator, director, and man, a sincere thank you. With love and gratitude, the 132nd graduating class of Middletown High School dedicates the 1983 Cauldron to Santo Fragilio.