MEET
Martha Campanile

BAFFA's Chorus Director

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Martha Campanile has been directing the BAFFA Chorus since 1995. As BAFFA enters its thirtieth year with Martha as their Chorus Director, we wanted to sit down with Martha and ask her a few questions about her experience and journey.​

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What has been your favorite part about being the Director of the BAFFA Chorus?

"My favorite part of being Director of the BAFFA chorus is sharing with people who love to sing. We have a real community of singers from all walks of life with various levels of musical training.  We learn new music and share in the challenges of that music working together to share a beautiful sound. Many singers come from choirs that are small and singing with a large group is an enriching experience. We make new friends and learn new repertoire."

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During a concert, does any audience-participation experience stand out to you that you'd like to share, good or bad?

"One experience of audience participation that stands out is at the close of a spring concert we all sang  “Happy Trails “ thinking of  Roy Rodger’s and Dale Evans riding out into the sunset- In the front row was a good friend of mine enjoying that experience and next to her women at a little older age who had such a beautiful smile and she “rode” her horse as well. I love it when people respond and enjoy music together."

 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as Chorus Director?

"The biggest challenge I have as Choral director of the BAFFA chorus is after choosing a concert theme selecting music of various levels. Challenging those singers with much experience and having music with a comfort level for those who  have a limited level of musical training from reading."

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What feelings do you experience when a concert ends and you take your final bow?

"Taking the final bow at a concert is a good feeling knowing the chorus communicated and was appreciated by the audience. The joy of learning and working together and communicating what the composer wrote - like a wire conductor- good feelings!"

 

Each year that you have returned to direct the BAFFA Chorus, what do you always look the most forward to?​

"Each year I look forward to seeing returning members and seeing new faces. There are many memories of members who have passed on to a heavenly choir and those who have moved. Welcoming new members and continuing to share beautiful music is a joy. Music is a sharing experience and one in which we share hope, peace, joy, and love. Words and music go together and being able to bring them together in song is a wonderful feeling."