by Mike Davis, Ph.D.,
Head of School

This weekend at Colorado Academy's biennial auction and fundraiser for student financial aid, we’ll offer a rousing tribute to retiring Colorado Academy Fine & Performing Arts Chairman, Angel Vigil.

When I first met Angel during my interview process eight years ago, I recognized I was in the presence of an extraordinary individual, and ever since then, I have dreaded the day that he would retire.  He is the consummate professional, the constant contributor, and the unremitting artist.

Angel had a way of getting up in front of a crowd, whether in a planning meeting or a performance -- in the eloquent way that only he can do -- and taking over the room with the image of the “Hero’s Journey,” an appropriate metaphor from a master storyteller.  The concept of the Hero’s Journey is a backbone of literature.  As Joseph Campbell, American writer and mythologist, described: “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won; the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow humans.”

Digging into the files, I found that on May 1, 1984, Angel completed his application to work at CA.  In those days, line 9 of the application asked about the candidate’s health, which he listed as “excellent.” He noted his address, his background, that his daughter, Tess, was 20 months old.  His resume talked about his training in psychology and drama, as well as experience in Zen Mime, Renaissance Dance and Period Movement, and Ballet. He listed a number of other skills including juggling, fire eating, fire breathing, stilt walking, mask making, bongo boarding, and magic.

Joseph Campbell’s “hero” is one who comes forth from the common world, but must also possess supernatural powers.    I am not sure the miming skills count, but Angel’s “magic” is something we have all seen. Our hero must also be guided by a mission, and Angel has his.

In his hand-written statement of philosophy stapled to his application, he wrote:  “I feel that the study of theatre is essential to the educational process in two ways.  It teaches essential personal skills and it creates a larger perspective on the human experience. On a larger perspective, the study of theater can be a critical factor in the development of the cultural sensitivity of students. An appreciation and positive response to the arts has been central to the definition of the educated civilized person for centuries. “ Not only was Angel motivated to bring civilization to our students, but also was clear that his goal was to make the arts fun.

Former Head of School Frank Wallace hired Angel a month later on June 4, writing, “I have enormous faith in your capacity to become an exemplary teacher and wonderful model for the children as well as their teachers.”

Within two years, Angel had earned CA’s Fisher Award for excellence in teaching and was recognized as an outstanding faculty member.   In the winter of 1986, Frank Wallace pleaded with Angel to consider moving into administration.  He was rather reluctant to leave teaching. Frank wrote, “I liked our conversation, Angel, and I understand your preference for teaching over administering.  It is not something I would want to coerce or entice, though I know you would do it well. It is rare to talk with someone who has things as clearly before him as you have, and has as clear an idea of where he has been, where he is, and where he might go.  You have given the school, your colleagues, your students, some quite wonderful gifts over the past two years, Angel. They are in part in consequence of the person you are and the things you stand for. They are also gifts of talent. But most significantly they are the gifts of empowering: Winterfest, the Middle School Circus, the rep plays, are all examples. But they are public demonstrations of ongoing daily interactions. You are an exceptional teacher, Angel: of adults as well as children.”

Through the years, our hero transformed lives, as Joseph Campbell described, and he waged battle to bring civilization and empowerment to young people: 109 plays directed, 41 circuses directed, 806 recitals and concerts attended, and 18,780 classes taught.  Over his many years at CA, he did battle to further his vision and create one of the best arts programs in the nation. CA has an outstanding program, composed of talented and dedicated faculty. Angel has guided this and sustained a high level of excellence.

He has served as chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, and Director of Drama. For more than three decades, he guided, coached, cajoled and showed thousands of students how to perform and to shine in the spotlight -– whether it was in instrumental or choral music, theater and fine arts, photography, video, sound recording or elsewhere. 

In all of his work, it has always been about the students. Through his many years here, Angel challenged this school to be more inclusive and to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism.  He is a social activist and a seeker of justice.  He possesses deep wisdom that transcends what makes good teaching and curriculum. He understands the human condition.
 

Along his mysterious adventure, and again along the lines of the Hero’s Journey, Angel walked with power that he shared with others. I am a recipient of that power and wisdom, as are many of you. Angel, I am grateful for your dedication, your service, your uncompromising commitment to excellence, your compassion, and your deep passion for education.  On behalf of the entire CA community, I thank you and wish you well on the next stage of your hero’s journey.