Agostino Roselli
Born in New Haven to Antonio and Antoinette Rosselli in 1920, Agostino Rosselli was a musical luminary in the New Haven area and beyond for over twenty-five years, until his death at age 45. He was everything that is magical about sharing a passion for music with others, especially the young. After graduating from Hillhouse High School in 1937, he matriculated at Yale College, where "Augie," as he became known to a legion of friends and admirers, earned a Bachelor of Music in 1941. He continued his education at Columbia University Teachers' College and was awarded a Master of Music Education degree the following June. During his early twenties, Augie studied psychology at New Haven State Teachers' College and attended the New Haven College of Pharmacy, finally returning to Yale in 1944 to renew his formal music studies, leading to a Masters of Music degree.
At graduation, Augie was awarded the Woods-Chandler Prose for the best musical composition of the academic year. The work, a prelude for orchestra, was performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, which he conducted. In addition, Augie was presented a scholarship for a year's graduate study at Yale in composition, piano, and violin. For two decades, he was a violinist with the New Haven Symphony, Waterbury Symphony, and Bridgeport Symphony, as well as a violinist for Schubert Theater musicals. He also served as director of the Connecticut Concert Band, as organist and choirmaster for St. Casmir Church in New Haven, and as guest conductor for the United States Army Field Band during Connecticut appearances. Augie performed at countless Community Fresh Air Concerts in the New Haven area as well.
Augie's teaching career began in 1941 at Hawley High School in Newtown, followed by teaching at Bethel High School. In 1954, after working in the Branford Public Schools on a part-time basis for two years, Augie began a ten year tenure in Branford that would transform music education in the town. He served as instrumental instructor for the entire school system. Through his tireless efforts, he became the driving force behind the phenomenal growth of the Branford High School Band in the mid-fifties. Augie built his band eliciting the support of the PTA, the Branford Exchange Club, and other organizations and individuals, buying uniforms, arranging concerts, and doing what he loved best: helping students to play musical instruments and bringing them together to perform beautiful music.
His patience with young musicians became a legend. His ability to instill a love of music in his pupils became the trademark of his instruction. He applied his magic with music and student, and the BHS Band grew in number, performances, and musical reputation. Augie formed a BHS orchestra that also performed regularly. During his time in Branford, Augie also served as conductor of the Branford Town Band to whom he invited anyone who could play a musical instrument, saying, "Age or performance level present absolutely no barrier, for the opportunities and pleasure derived are well worth the effort."
The love and respect afforded Augie as a teacher is evidenced by the Class of 1966 dedicating its class book to him, the New Haven Symphony Young Musicians Award being named for him, and the Branford Education Association offering a scholarship to a BHS graduate in his name. More importantly, it is with the undying gratitude of a generation of his students for whom he opened the world of music that Augie is remembered.
In short, Agostino Rosselli, musician, scholar, and teacher taught and inspired Branford children to better understand and perform music. His legacy continues in the stellar music programs of the Branford Public Schools and the Branford Town Band.
At the time of his death in 1965, he was survived by his wife, Theresa DiBenedetto Rosselli; three daughters; Teresa Shuk, a well-respected music instructor in Ridgefield, Connecticut; Tina Rose Yarosis; and Tonia, who lives in Branford and performs in the Branford Town Band; and sons Sal Rosselli, a tenor with the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the late Robert Rosselli.
At graduation, Augie was awarded the Woods-Chandler Prose for the best musical composition of the academic year. The work, a prelude for orchestra, was performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, which he conducted. In addition, Augie was presented a scholarship for a year's graduate study at Yale in composition, piano, and violin. For two decades, he was a violinist with the New Haven Symphony, Waterbury Symphony, and Bridgeport Symphony, as well as a violinist for Schubert Theater musicals. He also served as director of the Connecticut Concert Band, as organist and choirmaster for St. Casmir Church in New Haven, and as guest conductor for the United States Army Field Band during Connecticut appearances. Augie performed at countless Community Fresh Air Concerts in the New Haven area as well.
Augie's teaching career began in 1941 at Hawley High School in Newtown, followed by teaching at Bethel High School. In 1954, after working in the Branford Public Schools on a part-time basis for two years, Augie began a ten year tenure in Branford that would transform music education in the town. He served as instrumental instructor for the entire school system. Through his tireless efforts, he became the driving force behind the phenomenal growth of the Branford High School Band in the mid-fifties. Augie built his band eliciting the support of the PTA, the Branford Exchange Club, and other organizations and individuals, buying uniforms, arranging concerts, and doing what he loved best: helping students to play musical instruments and bringing them together to perform beautiful music.
His patience with young musicians became a legend. His ability to instill a love of music in his pupils became the trademark of his instruction. He applied his magic with music and student, and the BHS Band grew in number, performances, and musical reputation. Augie formed a BHS orchestra that also performed regularly. During his time in Branford, Augie also served as conductor of the Branford Town Band to whom he invited anyone who could play a musical instrument, saying, "Age or performance level present absolutely no barrier, for the opportunities and pleasure derived are well worth the effort."
The love and respect afforded Augie as a teacher is evidenced by the Class of 1966 dedicating its class book to him, the New Haven Symphony Young Musicians Award being named for him, and the Branford Education Association offering a scholarship to a BHS graduate in his name. More importantly, it is with the undying gratitude of a generation of his students for whom he opened the world of music that Augie is remembered.
In short, Agostino Rosselli, musician, scholar, and teacher taught and inspired Branford children to better understand and perform music. His legacy continues in the stellar music programs of the Branford Public Schools and the Branford Town Band.
At the time of his death in 1965, he was survived by his wife, Theresa DiBenedetto Rosselli; three daughters; Teresa Shuk, a well-respected music instructor in Ridgefield, Connecticut; Tina Rose Yarosis; and Tonia, who lives in Branford and performs in the Branford Town Band; and sons Sal Rosselli, a tenor with the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the late Robert Rosselli.