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Pitch perfect: Belcastro revives chorus at DCCC

Students who enjoy singing and learning about music now have an opportunity to practice their passion: the chorus class, MUS 130.

The chorus is composed of students from differing musical backgrounds and influences from big band jazz to religious choral settings. Thomas Bryson, a music major who sings bass for the chorus grew up listening to jazz music.

"Every piece of music tells a story," Bryson, 20, said.

Richard Belcastro, assistant professor of music, is writing a new chapter in his own story by conducting the fledgling choir program.

The new chorus meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Students can sign up for the chorus class which is worth three credits and requires a prerequisite of the MUS 101 course or an instructor permit.

Belcastro, 34, is also notable for his involvement in the Philadelphia music scene.

"Long, long ago there was a vibrant musical community at the college that [has since] disappeared," Belcastro said.

"The chorus gives the kids with more musical background a place to go."

When he was five years old, Belcastro's grandparents introduced him to music by purchasing him a piano and paying for lessons. Since then, he has experienced many kinds of music, from a high school rock band to formal college training in composition and music theory at the University of California in Davis, Brandeis University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Belcastro also brings with him a diverse background of musical knowledge and experience, having worked with several prominent groups and individuals in the area. According to his website, he is a composer with many commissioned works to his name, including the PRISM Saxophone Quartet, Network for New Music and The Serafin String Quartet.

Students say they have found the chorus to be a time of refreshment and fun in the midst of their school day as well as a chance to simply enjoy music.

"My favorite thing about music is its ability to guide the audience's emotions," said Kate Young, a 22-year-old theater major who sings soprano. "It really gets to the heart of humanity."

Daniel Romano, 23, a communications major at Delaware County Community College (DCCC), sings bass for the chorus. Romano had the chorus suggested to him by his piano professor from last semester and says he has enjoyed the opportunity to sing with his fellow students.

"We wanted to put something in place at the college that broadens students' views [of music.]" said Belcastro.

Along with the new chorus, Belcastro has also been put in charge of the DCCC Performing Arts Concert Series, a series of three free concerts that are sponsored by the school. The series will offer primarily new music and contemporary classical performances.

"[The college] is just far enough from Philadelphia that people don't want to make the trip," said Belcastro, referring to why more people are not involved with the music scene in the city. "The goal is to continue the variety."

The concert series debuted last year and Belcastro said he hopes to improve upon last year's opening. Belcastro explains he has many plans for the music program at DCCC.

"Music is always organic to me," he says. "We are building an associate’s degree in music which we hope to have running in a year or so."

As far as the chorus goes, there is an open door for newcomers and veterans alike. According to Belcastro, a student can repeat the course up to three times for credits.

Many students said they plan to return to the chorus if they can.

Alicia Stanchak, a 20-year-old education major who sings alto said she is excited to be part of the singing group.

"Anywhere I can do music and meet people," she said. "That's where I'll be."

Contact Bill Baxter at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu

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