In 1968, with wife Harriet and son Erik in tow, Rosendo moved to Mountaintop, PA, after joining the faculty of the Music Department of Wilkes College. The family then purchased their home in Swoyersville, PA. Soon afterwards would follow the birth of 2nd son, Nathan in 1970, and 3rd son, Jason in 1972. Ros was invited to Wilkes College by chairman William Gasbarro to join the small, fledgling department with colleagues Richard Chapline, Anne Liva, and Herbert Garber. He would be primarily hired to teach Music Theory, but would also utilize his other strong abilities to lead the Percussion Ensemble (building it to one of the most visually exciting musical acts to attend!), Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, Functional Piano, and Music 101 for non-majors.
Ros’s enthusiasm, generosity, and concern for the department would contribute to the growth of the department over the succeeding years, and would be witness to its most vital period of existence in the community. A few weeks after the birth of 3rd son, Jason, Hurricane Agnes would arrive to Northeast PA leaving widespread destruction as a result of the flooding of the Susquehanna River. Ros made himself available to help the music school move pianos, etc. to upper floors to try to minimize the casualties. He would also generously offer his calligraphic talents to copy music (an extremely high volume of requests!) in an age when there were no Xerox machines. He was always available to accompany students in their recitals. And frequently he would give students a unique experience of premiering an original composition written expressly for them! He provided the department’s ensembles with many original marches, concerti, overtures, and even original music for the Jazz Band.
In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of Professor Emeritus by President Christopher Breiseth. He continued to compose music for students as well as teach the Music 101 class until his death in 1994.
The library in the Music Building of Wilkes University still houses much of his music in his original manuscript.
Gallery
Audio
Concerto No. 3 in C for piano (1985)
Mark Mrozinski, piano; Wilkes College Wind Ensemble: Jerome Campbell, conductor
1st Movement
2nd Movement
3rd Movement
Schlagwark March (1985)
Wilkes College Wind Ensemble: Jerome Campbell, conductor; Rosendo Santos, guest crash cymbals!
Schlagwark March |
