Charles Vaccarello

A resident of Florida, Charles Vaccarello earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Northeastern Illinois University, where he earned a full scholarship and graduated with honors in 1974. Continuing into graduate studies, Mr. Vaccarello completed his Master’s degree in Music Performance at DePaul University in 1977. He served a Teaching Assistant during his time at DePaul and again graduated with honors.

In 1975, while just starting out into his graduate program, Charles Vaccarello began teaching music at institutions in the greater Chicago area. Mr. Vaccarello continued this career for three decades, and ultimately offered his services to a number of high schools and a university. These include Concordia University Chicago and the Consolidated High School District 230, where Mr. Vaccarello focused most of his efforts.

While working with the students in District 230 from 1979 until 2004, Mr. Vaccarello led orchestra rehearsals at three different schools. In 1991, he accepted an additional position as Band Director at one of these schools. Throughout his tenure in with the district, Charles Vaccarello oversaw the day-to-day management of music programs while also putting on regular concerts and other community events. The student music programs he led consistently earned a Division 1 rating at state contests.

Throughout his career, Charles Vaccarello has also maintained a regular schedule of his own music performances. Mr. Vaccarello has appeared at a number of weddings, corporate events, and clubs throughout the Midwest. Playing both the drums and vibraphone, he performed with some of music’s biggest names, including Eddie Fisher, Dizzy Gillespie, and Frank Sinatra.
Charles Vaccarello retired in 2004, and currently lives in Welaka, Florida. He still performs at venues throughout northern Florida, as well as benefits for nonprofit organizations. Mr. Vaccarello has also continued teaching. He regularly offers music workshops at local schools. These workshops are free of charge, and allow participants to increase their understanding of and ability with music in an engaging but relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to his music, Charles Vaccarello enjoys fishing, bird hunting, and boating. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, and was member of the International Association for Jazz Education until the organization disbanded in 2009.