Vern Kagarice was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1929, in the small town of Elkins, West Virginia. Kagarice grew up in a family that was passionate about music, and he was exposed to various musical genres from a young age. His father was a skilled pianist, and his mother was a talented singer, which inspired Kagarice to pursue a career in music. Kagarice began his musical journey by learning to play the piano at the age of six. He showed exceptional talent and quickly progressed to playing more complex pieces. He also learned to play the violin and the trumpet, which broadened his musical horizons. Kagarice's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1947, Kagarice enrolled at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned music educators such as Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1951 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the same institution. After completing his studies, Kagarice began his professional career as a musician. He joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as a trumpet player and performed with them for several years. He also played with other orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Kagarice's talent as a musician was recognized by many, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1956, he won the prestigious Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He was also a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed him to study music in Europe. One of Kagarice's most significant achievements was his role in the founding of the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado. In 1949, he attended the festival as a student and was so impressed with the quality of the program that he decided to become involved in its organization. He served as the festival's executive director from 1965 to 1970 and helped to establish it as one of the premier music festivals in the world. Kagarice was also a prolific composer and arranger. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra" and "Symphony No. 1." He also arranged many works for orchestra, including pieces by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Kagarice's career as a musician spanned several decades, and he continued to perform and teach until his death in 2005. He was a beloved figure in the world of classical music and inspired many young musicians to pursue their dreams. In conclusion, Vern Kagarice was a talented musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His passion for music, combined with his exceptional talent, allowed him to achieve great success as a performer, composer, and educator. His legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world, and his contributions to the Aspen Music Festival and School will be remembered for generations to come.

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