Jan Charles

Chorus Member - Baritone

Jan Charles, BAFFA Chorus Member and current Board Member,
has been a staple of BAFFA's organization for two decades. His joy for singing and for BAFFA's mission doesn't go unnoticed.

After Jan tried many pursuits and obtained a number of degrees, he started a precision machine shop business around 1982. He sold it to start a home-based educational services business in 1991 and retired from that business in 2021. He still does private tutoring in physics and calculus. Jan is married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He travels to India often, where he has friends and family.

When did you join the BAFFA Chorus?

"2002."

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What is your favorite part of being in the BAFFA Chorus?

"Of course, singing is my favorite part. It's a great way to make friends. And also, conductor Martha Campanile makes it fun."

How long ago did you join the BAFFA Chorus, and what section(s) do you sing in? DId you sing prior to the BAFFA Chorus? If so, where? How long have you been singing in general?

"I've been with the chorus for 24 years as a baritone. I've been singing since a child with my sisters and joined a chorus in 6th grade. From 6th grade onward, I've continually participated in various choruses and groups, but had little time between 1980 and 2002 to do any organized singing because of raising a family and running a business took up much of my time. In 1980, I've did a studio recording to cover a Horace Silver/Lambert, Hendricks & Ross classic tune for an album."​

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What is the most difficult song you’ve ever sung, and why?  What has been your favorite song to sing and why?

"I don't know about difficult, but some of the songs I remember working hardest on have been in German and by Bach, especially selections from his Christmas Oratorio. My favorite thing to sing is easy - Mozart's Requiem. I've performed it with about 5 different choruses and would do it again any time, any place, and with any group."

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If someone wanted to join the BAFFA Chorus, what would you tell them? 

"JOIN! It's good for you and the community. No auditions required."

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​Do you have any funny memories of singing that you would like to share?

"Not funny, but memorable: I sang inside the Taj Mahal at night after closing time. It's a long story. I was with four friends and the security guard. I sang Amazing Grace and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

If you could do a duet with any famous singer, living or dead, whom would it be?

"I'd love to sing Moody's Mood for Love with Betty Carter."

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