Singer Spotlight: Dee Ann Casteel

What is/was your occupation?

I am associate professor of chemistry at Bucknell University, the current chair of the department, and have served as the Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. I teach organic chemistry, which everyone knows is lots of fun! And we sing chemistry songs in class.

Hmm…I like all things organic…but chemistry was never one of my academic strengths.  Perhaps I would have done better if we sang about it, haha!   

How many years have you been singing with the SVC?

I joined SVC in the fall of 1994, just after moving to the area. I was encouraged to audition by my friend Betty Veening. Betty’s husband, Hans, was chair of the chemistry department at the time.

Sometimes it’s all about who you know.  So many of our singers were referred or recruited by friends who were already members of the chorale.  It’s what makes us one great, big family.

What was your favorite concert or chorale season to date, and why?

My favorites include Durufle’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Carmina Burana, Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, and all of our Bach concerts.  Although we rarely sing Bach, it’s still a treat!  I found the most interesting pieces to be Voices of Light, accompanying the Joan of Arc film, and Treemonisha by Scott Joplin.  The most challenging concert for me was Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.  I concluded that Beethoven did not like altos. 

Yes, it does seem like certain composers lack an understanding or compassion some vocal parts, and an extreme fondness for others. Oh well…you can’t win them all.

Do you have any other musical involvements?

I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance with a minor in alto sax.

I direct the Heart of Pennsylvania Chorus, based in Lewisburg. We are a group of about 20 women who sing pretty much all pops, all in close harmony a cappella. Our chorus won two performance awards the last time we were able to compete, in the Spring of 2019.

I am also music director for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley, providing music for worship and directing the choir. We are small but mighty, a choir of 8 – 12 women (we would welcome men but there don’t seem to be any available) who are fearless and willing to explore.

I used to play alto sax with the Bucknell pep band.  I also used to sing in a barbershop quartet and am looking for willing partners again.

Yes, I’ve heard you sing barbershop at several SVC POPS concerts…always a joy. I also enjoy hearing a mean sax solo…maybe it’s time to work out those chops again…you know, in your spare time, haha. Like so many of our singers, you are clearly one busy lady. Thanks for sharing, Dee…’Ray Bucknell!