Alumni Spotlight: Capt. Richard Viglucci (D.M.A. 2017)
calendar icon16 Oct 2023
Lincoln, Neb.--Last week, Capt. Richard Viglucci (D.M.A. 2017) became Commander of the U.S. Army School of Music. He was previously with the United States Army Band. We caught up with him to find out about his new position.
What are your duties as Commander of the U.S. Army School of Music?
Similar to the responsibilities of a department chair, I am responsible for managing all administrative duties of the Army School of Music. I deal with faculty hiring, development and promotions, oversight of student education to include music and Army common core material, yearly accreditation and inspections, student health, student discipline and UCMJ actions, budget/funding issues, building maintenance oversight, and many other adjacent duties.
Tell us about the Army School of Music.
The Army School of Music is the first place soldiers go after Basic to receive training tailored to military music. The ten-week course enrolls students in weekly private lessons, a small ensemble (brass/woodwind quintet, jazz quartet, rock bands, etc.), concert band, and ceremonial band. Students will take a mix of military and music classes in topics ranging from leadership, marketing and entertainment concepts, to land navigation, combat lifesaver skills, and moving under direct fire. Lastly students continue a daily regimen of physical fitness training. To graduate students have to pass music performance assessments and physical fitness assessments.
Did you always envision this career path or did it evolve?
My career path definitely evolved from what I initially set out to accomplish. When I joined the Army ten years ago, I never envisioned myself doing arts management. I always thought I would remain a clarinetist in whatever career path I took. It was after my first year in the Army that I was encouraged by my supervisors to take the Army Band officer audition, which is a conducting and arts management job. Sometimes I do miss clarinet performance, especially when attending recitals of chamber music I used to perform regularly. But the projects I’ve managed and the music I’ve conducted have been thrilling, and I’m very happy how things ended up.
What made you decide to pursue military service and, in particular, pursue music within the military?
I, unfortunately, don’t have an inspiring patriotic story for why I pursued a military career. After becoming ABD I started auditioning for every orchestra and military band vacancy as well as applying for any tenure and non-tenure track college/university job opening. The first job I won was with the Army Band, so I enlisted. What I never anticipated about military service is how patriotic it can make you feel. Performing the anthem at the Capitol on the 4th of July, rendering a salute during taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, creating musical programs that celebrate the diverse stories of American history – day after day these experiences begin to elevate a deeper sense of patriotism and love for our country. I'm very glad I have ended up using my skills in music to serve my country.
What has been the most interesting experience that you’ve had in your career?
Participating in President Biden’s Inauguration ceremony as part of the Army Ceremonial Band.
What advice would you give to Glenn Korff School of Music students who might be interested in performing in military bands?
Dedicate yourself to learning the fundamentals and musicianship on your instrument or voice as well as pick up skills in genres other than classical music. Military bands have more openings for applicants that can play a Mozart concerto one day and solo on a jazz chart the next.
What were some of the best experiences you had in the School of Music that helped prepare you for your career?
Private lessons with Dr. Diane Barger, the five recitals I had to give, performance in UNL’s large ensembles, and the chamber classes led by the Chiara Quartet.
Are there any specific goals or dreams you still want to achieve in your career?
I would love to create a concert band program about American astronomy with guest speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson. I reached out to him during the pandemic when the Army Band was creating short docustyle videos but unfortunately his agency never got back to me. I’ll keep trying! Also I would love it if the culmination of my career ended as the Commander of the West Point Military Academy Band.
Any final thoughts on your new position?
Ten years ago I passed through the Army School of Music as a student and had an incredibly positive experience. I’m excited to be back and look forward to being a part of the next generation’s formative military education.