In Memory
We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Emeritus band instructor Ray Vinole. The San Diego Union Tribune did a fine piece on him in January of 2020. Here is the story which appeared in the 1/15/20 paper.
SD Union Tribune Column:
San Diego big band master Rey Vinole plays a goodbye note
Rey Vinole picked up a trumpet at age 13, and he never put it down.
For the past half-century, the San Diego musician has taught students, young and old alike, to engage in a love affair with music through his instruction and music classes in the public schools and the San Diego community colleges.
Vinole, who proudly says “I’ve always had three or four jobs,” has formed several bands throughout his long career. His name became synonymous with big bands, which he has kept alive and vibrant here long after their era passed.
On Jan. 19, though, he will direct his final big band concert at Dizzy’s in the Musicians’ Association’s Arias Hall at 1717 Morena Blvd.
Vinole, who was born in Little Italy in 1939, turned 80 last month, and he decided the time had come to lighten his load.
So, he is retiring from the three classes he teaches through the San Diego Community College District (including one at an assisted living facility), and he is hanging up his baton. But he will not be putting his trumpet into storage any time soon.
“I’m not going to be a big band director anymore,” Vinole says, “although on some occasions I may sit in with some of the band members.” He is going to keep operating the six- to eight-member professional swing band that bears his name, as it continues to tour and perform on the Saddlebred horse show circuit.
Vinole ran the band program at Morse High School from 1969 until he moved over to Mission Bay High School in 1976. He taught there for 24 years before turning his full attention to college classes and performing.
Many talented musicians, including Jean Paul Balmat, who took his place directing the Mission Bay High program, have credited the affable musician and band lead for inspiring them. His progeny and admirers include renowned trumpeters James Zollar and Brad Steinwehe, saxophone player/singer Art Fisher, who is taking over Vinole’s community college classes and late saxophonist and fellow musician Gary Lefebvre.
“This man is beloved in band circles,” says Dizzy’s musician/operator Chuck Perrin. “All the musicians speak glowingly of him and his selflessness and the way he has inspired other musicians.”
Vinole has recorded with rock band singer Gary Puckett and played in performances with Lou Rawls, The Supremes and The Temptations. While at Mission Bay High School, he directed and produced more than 40 musicals.
Early in his career, Vinole even made his Hollywood acting debut. He played bit parts in several episodes of the “Lassie” TV series and portrayed George Washington in the “Harry and the Hendersons” TV show. He also appeared in the 1992 movie “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” starring Jane Seymour, and in “The Man Without a World” indie film.
But music always remained Vinole’s mainstay, and that’s why he will keep playing, but with a lighter load. “As long as I can pick up my horn and sing, I will continue doing that. It keeps me young at heart. It’s something to look forward to when I get up every morning,” he says.