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Celebrating the Life and Work of Bart Wolgamot

Barton J. “Bart” Wolgamot lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he moved after retiring from Parker in 2010. He taught music at Parker for more than 35 years. According to an obituary in the Santa Fe New Mexican, he “was born November 10, 1939 in Danville, the first of 10 children born to Edgar K. ‘Pete’ Wolgamot, Jr. and Marguerite (Smith) Wolgamot. Bart attended St. Patrick's Grade School and Schlarman High School in Danville, graduating Schlarman in 1957. A gifted musician and music educator, Bart graduated with a B.A. in musicology from University of Illinois and an M.A. in music education from Northwestern University. …During his retirement, Bart played with classical music groups in Santa Fe until his illnesses took their toll on his physical condition. He was interested in numerous intellectual endeavors, was a lover of the arts in all forms and was a frequent traveler to Europe, where he could practice and use his fluency in numerous languages. While Bart was sometimes described by those who loved him as ‘eccentric,’ in fact he was best described as ‘interesting.’"
I was in 3rd grade the year Bart joined Parker, and he remained an integral and memorable part of my Parker education. Since I loved singing and acting, I had many wonderful and challenging experiences in the chorus room and on the Parker stage, almost all with Bart (he took a sabbatical during my junior year, so I missed him when I played Laurey in Oklahoma! and sang a long solo in The Messiah, though I appreciated the late Ruth Shacter that year). His instruction was indispensable, his energy was insurmountable, and his falsetto was inimitable! It was always a pleasure to see him when I returned to the school after graduating, and his support and encouragement of my brother Andy had so much meaning and value. Like his predecessor Chauncey Griffiths, Bart was a seminal figure in Parker history. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
– Jill Chukerman Test ’77
Just a few weeks ago Bart let me know that his Parkinson's was making fatigue a "constant companion," but he said he was "basking in sunshine," knowing that the children of children he had taught are beginning to make their mark on the world. "Let's see what they can do!" he encouraged.

Bart began his career at Parker in 1967, not long out of graduate school, and brought with him a new way of instilling music into all of our lives. I was in 2nd grade when he showed up in Mrs. Lester's class with a guitar, a goatee and songs inspired by the young Boomers and folk artists who were just making their mark on America. They asked questions of the postwar establishment in their songs, protested the Vietnam War and developed harmonies redolent of country, ethnic minorities and folk. (Remember “El Condor Pasa”?)

Bart asked all children to play music, not just those who were pursuing instruments outside of school. Every 4th grader received a recorder. Orff instruments began to populate the music room, and, without realizing it, we all learned complex melodies we played at Morning Ex. Back then, it was the recorder ensemble and the Orff instruments that comprised our orchestra. Bart didn't wear a coat and tie like the older music teachers and developed generational friendships with the students who might have teased him in Chorus, but who graduated in the ’70s and sent their children to Parker 20 years later, asking them to join Chorus, too.
Over the years, he became like family to many Parkerites, and, in truth, Parker was Bart's family—his colleagues, school parents, graduates. Several times he left—for a break, sabbatical, to retire etc.—but it never seemed like he left. When he bought his home in Santa Fe (where my parents had moved after we graduated from Parker), it seemed like he was never there. Usually he was back in Chicago, pitching in part-time at Parker, or traveling in Europe to see grand opera.

You probably didn't know it, but Bart had studied bassoon at one point. Neither did I. But I discovered that when he flew to our home in California about a decade ago expressly to attend a youth orchestra performance at which my daughter was playing bassoon. The delight that showed in his sparkling eyes that afternoon as we sat in the balcony of San Jose's California Theater was my best memory that day. For him it was as if he was watching a granddaughter achieve ambitions that flowed from his own life's work, making music come alive in the children and the children of children he taught. My daughter never was his pupil, but in that moment, I knew Bart was right. She was there because he had been there for us at Parker School. May the angels sing his praises, in four-part harmony.
– Anthony Moor ’78
I'm saddened to learn that Bart Wolgamot, an important, creative, essential music teacher, and profound influence throughout my developmental years from 1st grade through high school, has passed away. I am deeply indebted to him for encouraging me to find my confidence and growth as a musician in my formative years.

Though I've worked my entire adult life as a professional musician, composer, arranger and music director, some may be surprised to learn that I was extremely shy about playing the piano in public, lacked confidence, often had to be pushed, afraid to be the focus of group attention, to be judged, and prone to panic attacks when expected to perform publicly. I absorbed everything—music, reading, lessons, lectures and beyond—so much by ear that I was a virtual sponge, which I looked at as both a blessing and a curse. I was so painfully nervous that I was threatened by attention. I didn't want to feel special, stand out, be applauded or be "fussed over" in any way. It only embarrassed me, I preferred to hide, and I really just wanted to blend in and be like everyone else. In hindsight, I realized that revealing myself musically has always truly been the most personal expression and inner essence of who I am. Therefore, to perform publicly would feel tantamount to getting totally undressed in front of everybody or like having a grand audience privy to my innermost thoughts.

However, as early as seven years old in 1st grade, the first year I had Bart, he most likely recognized my somewhat warped insecurities and would force me to perform in front of the class. You couldn't easily hide from Bart. Reflective of his meticulous attention to musical detail, he knew all, could see all and was keenly intuitive. I would avoid signing up for school talent shows, but Bart would encourage me to do them, despite my personal fear and resistance. By providing my initial experience of playing with a pit orchestra for our high school production of Carousel, Bart not only taught me how to follow a conductor, but also helped me appreciate how the show’s beautiful underscore re-treats themes, restates motifs and identifies characters.

Bart's choice in choral literature was broad and enriching and included many challenging works ranging from Bach and Handel to Gilbert and Sullivan, Bernstein, Simon and Garfunkel, and Charles Ives. His fierce attention to diction, dynamic contrasts, nuance and expression informed me greatly as a pianist and later as a composer and music director. Admittedly, given my youth, inexperience, limited music exposure and pathetically tiny hands, I was far too focused on simply hoping to hit the correct notes, but through Bart's help, I learned to appreciate the equal importance of interpretation, intonation and sensitivity. His final challenge was to "push me" onstage to sing the lead role of Koko in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado during my senior year. No more could I comfortably hide behind other musicians and vocalists or bury my head behind the piano and the music on the stand. Now I had to bare myself before a completely filled auditorium of hundreds and memorize and deliver a seemingly impossible and overwhelming amount of long and winding sophisticated multi-versed vocal leads predominated by demanding patter-songs and stretches of exceedingly long dialogue. The larger lesson, however, was about the responsibility of performing with others as a team, not just taking care of myself, which was already hard enough. But Bart placed me in such a position in his aim to help me mature musically and emotionally.

Bart's tendency to possess an "over-the-top" approach may not have always made him the most popular faculty member amongst students, but in time I understood that it came from his deeply personal and emotional passion for what he loved and his determination to produce the best work possible from his students. Was he too aggressive or more aptly progressive, ambitious and fearless? The greatest teachers test and push their students' limits, and that most certainly describes Bart. It may not have always been easy for many to recognize that he had only the best of intentions in serving his students through a deep commitment to honor the composers' works as optimally and appreciably as possible, while striving for his students' maximum growth and fullest potential in the process. When I continued singing in the Occidental College Glee Club, I was that much more appreciative of the high level at which Bart worked and thrived, commensurate with a college experience.

To this day, I'm grateful for the example and high bar that Bart set so early on, coupled with his emotional support, even on some level today when I find myself composing and arranging a song, music directing, scoring a scene, recording instrument parts, leading a live ensemble or performing solo. It will be easy for such a colorful and unforgettable spirit as Bart to long live in all his students' and colleagues' memories, and I'll always be grateful for the figurative role he played in my life.
– Andrew Chukerman ’79
Bart Wolgamot is the reason I understand musical theatre. That is a source of so much joy in my life! I think of such masterful performances by Rod Nesbitt ’71, John Bazell ’79, Elise Paschen ’77 and so many other performers. At the end of the day I marvel that Bart Wolgamot hoped for so much in all of us. I was usually just a chorus member. Nonetheless, he took great care with me very personally. His love of teaching and his incredible talent are a lasting reminder of what a lifetime devoted to Parker School can mean. It is a high bar and yet, honestly to watch Mr. Denien go to work is to see the same unwavering and obsessive passion. I will long remember meeting Bart on the street with my mom in friendly conversation. “You have no idea what that man does nor aspires to for all of you. It is absolutely incredible,” she always repeated. She was so right!
– Julia San Fratello ’80
Bart Wolgamot was the most patient teacher in the world. He was kind and nurturing as well. On Fridays when my classmates were eager to start their weekends, they were always more rowdy than usual. Mr. Walgamot never let this behavior frustrate him, and he continued to teach in his loving, patient way. God rest his soul.
– Caryn E. Price ’81
Bart Wolgamot was a genuinely kind person, passionate educator and truly musical force of nature. How he was able to coax countless remarkable performances from a chorus room full of raging hormones is still beyond me. I also often think back fondly on his terrific performance as Capulet in Romeo and Juliet in 1983, particularly the heartbreaking resignation in his delivery of the line, “Well, we were born...to die.” His patience, talent and warmth will truly be missed on this planet. I wish him godspeed.
– Timothy Sheridan ’83
Bart Wolgamot taught me to play guitar, something that has continued to bring me joy for decades since. I vividly recall coming down sick one day while at school and being relegated to the Nurse's Office. I was surprised when Mr. Wolgamot showed up with a guitar to make sure I didn't fall behind on my guitar lessons, even in my sick bed. I remember him showing me those C, F and G open chords until I could play "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" by myself. Even then, I knew it was pretty special that he came to give me that lesson. Nowadays my wife and I serenade my 14-month-old daughter to sleep every night as I strum the guitar, and I often think warmly of Bart Wolgamot. Thank you, Bart.
– Jason Walker ’84
Bart was my advisor at FWP (1981–85), and I have such tender memories of him holding court in the chorus room as he ate his cafeteria lunches while connecting with our intimate group of advisees. It was wonderful to see him be calm, personable and introspective after more heated sessions in the chorus class when his passion for the material didn't always match up with student respect and interest. But this same passion was irresistible when it came to joining in song with Bart in something like The Messiah or "Come to the Fair." He was in his element in such moments, and it was impossible to not want a piece of that musical joy. When I became a teacher myself, I often would think of Bart and have long-past-due respect for his patience and never-ending commitment. Great compassion was there as well, as in my case, he knew I would be eternally off-key and still never made me feel like I didn't belong.
– Larry Grimm ’85
Oh, I am so sad to hear about Bart’s passing. He was a sweet man, yet a perfectionist in every project he decided to undertake. He was always incredibly supportive of my voice, giving me solos in events from the lead role in Pirates of Penzance to solos at Vespers. I’ll forever be grateful to his faith in me during my high school years. I wish I had kept in better touch. My deepest condolences to his family.
– Sarah Johnson ’86
Mr. Wolgamot was a huge influence in helping me develop my interest in learning music. After Parker I studied voice for many years and even spent a summer at Tangelwood’s Young Artist Vocal Program. I remember vividly going to music class and also the solo I had in our 8th grade play. He was a wonderful teacher and truly wanted each student he worked with to develop their own talent. He left many great memories with the FWP family.
– Emily Singer Lucio ’86
I'll never forget Bart enthusiastically leading the entire school in a rousing rendition of "Hi Ho, Come to the Fair" each year in Morning Ex. Hearing those first notes on the piano from Bart was an annual tradition I loved. He made the fair special with his music.
– Daniel Rosenberg, ’89
Mr. Wolgamot was a crucial mentor to me in my early musical life and introduced me to the first classical music that I fell in love with: Leonard Bernstein and Igor Stravinsky. Whenever I conduct their music, I always think of him. (With my band, Alarm Will Sound, I created a show that tells Lenny's story, available on YouTube—and so I’ve stayed very close to this music.) He supported and created opportunities for my earliest efforts in conducting and composition, premiering my first choral-orchestral piece my senior year, then commissioning me as a young alumnus to write a work for Parker Commencement. I’m saddened to hear of Mr. Wolgamot’s passing, but also very grateful for his enduring impact.
– Alan Pierson ’92
I am sure that, like many former Parker students, the first image that comes to mind of Mr. Wolgamot is his joyously and enthusiastically leading the school in song during the annual County Fair MX. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Mr. Wolgamot at various Parker-related functions many years after my graduation. In these moments, I was able to see that his joy and enthusiasm were not limited to music. Rather, these qualities extended to his genuine interest in hearing about the lives of individuals, like me, that he knew before. Mr. Wolgamot, you will be missed.
– Patrick McHale ’96
“Hi-Hooooo, come to the Fair” is a highlight memory of Mr. Wolgamot. He had so much passion for music and singing and every County Fair leading us in song. Wonderful memories.
– Oren Matteson ’97
I was maybe the worst demon Mr Wolgamot ever had. I was terrible in his class, FOR YEARS. And while his frustration became evident at times-—he managed to deal with me with kindness and love. WHICH I DID NOT DESERVE. I spent a lot of time in the hallway, as Mr. Wolgamot knew my sole directive was to DESTROY THE CLASS—but then and now, I never felt hatred from him. Or true anger. Momentary frustration, but he would always talk to me after class in the hallway and connect and try to teach me WHY what I was doing was detrimental to others. "Everything to help and nothing to hinder." He was a good and kind man and a wonderful teacher—and some of my favorite memories are from Music class, where I felt so safe. He will be missed. HI HOOOOOOOOO
– Rob Belushi ’99
Back in the ’60s I was a 2nd grade teacher when the Pied Piper arrived on the scene. His presence was felt immediately by both children and their teachers. I remember especially his energy and humor. Lo and behold when I returned to FWP in the ’90s the Pied Piper of Parker was still there. How lucky we were to have his enchanting influence for so many years. Thank you, Bart.
– Helen Doughty Lester, former 2nd grade teacher
Bart and I started and ended our Parker teaching careers almost at the same time. Working with Bart over those many years was both fun and educational. He taught my 5th graders most of his career. The students knew how fortunate they were to have Mr. Wolgamot as their music teacher. They had a teacher who loved to teach and who knew SO MUCH about music. He also knew about so many different aspects of music and its history. The music for the Medieval Fair was so important to the entire performance. The music was reliably superb. The sounds of recorders will always be part of the students’ lives and mine, as well. Bart enriched all of our lives.
– Harriett Cholden, former 5th grade teacher
Hi Ho Come to the Fair! Although I met Bart on a faculty retreat that initiated my first year at Parker in the fall of 1985, it was not until I witnessed him sing and lead us in this familiar chant that I started to understand who this man was and his role in the life of our school. He became a dear friend and valued colleague, and Parker was a better place because of him. He also taught each of my three children, and his patience and encouragement toward each of them was so very much appreciated. In many ways, the auditorium, perhaps FWP’s largest classroom, is where Bart played out his roles—teacher, conductor, musician and even stagehand. In faculty meetings, collegial conversations and the various school committees on which I served with Bart, it was very clear that he had a deep understanding and appreciation for the bedrock ideas on which our school was founded. Bart’s labors live on in the lives of all that he touched.
– Bob Merrick, former Upper School history teacher
Bart Wolgamot was my beloved music teacher and wonderful friend. He was the first person to believe in me as a singer, and he accompanied me on my very first "solo recital" in High school. I am so grateful for all the years of Bart's unconditional support-- through college and conservatory and when I finally started to perform professionally, I knew I would look out in the audience and see Bart there because he never missed a show! I will never forget the incredible gift of his boundless love for music, his playful and gentle soul, his wicked sense of humor, his zest for life, and the care and thoughtfulness he lavished on me and so many of his students at FWP through the years. Bart was truly special--there will never be anyone else like him for sure!!!!
—Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa
I'd like to contribute two photographs from 1982, the last year I was at Parker. Mr Wolgamot directing the Special Chorus and in the music room. I was leaving for London that summer and took photos of things I knew I would miss!
—Gianna Quaglia
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