Chuck was not new to attending high school concerts. He told me his whole family went to watch his brother play trumpet in high school and college concerts and musicals, but I think he thought his concert days were behind him. Little did he know he would be an audience member for life!
Chuck was my biggest champion and cheerleader. He was present for my high school performances at St. Hubert’s and All-City Orchestra, where I played string bass. Then it was on to Chestnut Hill College, where I studied music. Chuck was present for every concert and my senior recital, always supporting my endeavors.
1974-1976 St. Hubert’s High School Orchestra and All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia
1976-1980 Chestnut Hill College Orchestra and Senior Recital
He must have breathed a sigh of relief on my graduation day, thinking that his concert-going days were behind him. But… once I began teaching music, Chuck attended my Christmas and Spring shows at whichever school I was teaching. He patiently sat through the singing and “acting” of K-8 students he did not know. This continued for the 25 years I taught music. Chuck couldn’t have been prouder.
1980-2012 Christmas and Spring shows at the schools where I taught
After we had our own children, it was dance recitals, elementary band concerts, and then eight straight seasons of marching band competitions and high school concerts. Chuck couldn’t have been prouder of his kids.
1984-1995 Angela’s dance recitals
1995-2003 Concert Band, Marching Band, and Indoor Drumline competitions for Angela and Charlie
He must have breathed a sigh of relief on graduation day, thinking that his concert-going days were behind him. But… Charlie studied music at Mansfield University. We took the three-hour trip to see as many concerts and events as we could. Chuck couldn’t have been prouder.
2003-2007 College concerts, recitals, and marching band shows
He must have breathed a sigh of relief on his graduation day, thinking that his concert-going days were behind him. But…Charlie became a music teacher, and we went to as many concerts as we could, especially when his jazz bands were performing. Chuck couldn’t have been prouder.
2008-2024 High School Concerts, at the various schools where Charlie taught.
But… then came the grandchildren. We would go to as many concerts and recitals as we could. Chuck couldn’t have been prouder.
2018-2025 Dance recitals for Emma and Isabella
2023-2025 Chorus, orchestra, and band concerts for Parker and Emma
Chuck was a lifer when it came to being an audience member watching his family perform or lead performances. I am sure he had no idea what he was signing up for 50 years ago, but I know he supported us and was proud of us.
Chuck may not be physically present for all the concerts to come for Parker, Emma, Izzy, and Nolan, but I am sure he will be telling everyone in heaven, “Hey, look. That’s my grandchild!” And I am sure he still couldn’t be prouder!
Rita DiCarne 
“Chuck was a lifer…” This is absolutely precious, and a testament to devotion (and the love of music and people in his life who make it happen).
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Awwww….those sighs of relief carried over into the next phase and the next – but I suspect there were never sighs of relief any of it was over – – that somewhere, all along, he knew each step was the beginning of the next. And that even now, he is still there in the audience, watching between bonds of Heaven and earth. Smiling proudly, and perhaps sighing with extreme satisfaction.
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I love this format–taking a thread and tracing it through time. And a fitting tribute to someone so important to you.
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The repetition in the various sections really helped me see how music continued in his life, and how proud he was in each iteration. I think listed the types & years helps see just how long he supported everyone as an audience member. It made me smile, too.
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There’s no rest for the weary parent or grandparent, but seeing the ones you love perform their best…there’s nothing like it! ❤️
Chuck will carry all these beautiful memories forever with him, and so will you.
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Rita,
You built a life of love around music. I can’t think of a sweeter way to spend a life together. I know Chuck was and still is proud.
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What a guy! Seriously, that is quite something. Today, Chuck is reaping the reward of knowing he is ever-present in the hearts and minds of you and the children, whenever there is a concert to attend. Well done, as always, Rita. Have a good day!
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I love the repetition of thinking concert attendance was done and being proud. I think it all boils down to one word…love. Chuck loved his family and celebrated all of their accomplishments.
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That’s a lot of concerts and recitals! Makes me smile!!
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