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Alumni Profiles

See what our music alumni are doing

Craig Bellot, Class of 2007

Craig Bellot is from the Commonwealth of Dominica in the West Indies. After finishing high school, Craig started working as a recording engineer and producer. Because of these interests and skills he chose to double major in music and computer science. During his last semester he combined the two interests again and created a website dedicated to "Delivering Authentic Caribbean Rhythms." The site, http://www.numusiczone.com , the site allows users to browse and download music. While a student at Plattsburgh, he worked as a Teacher's Assistant in the music technology lab and played piano in the jazz ensemble, contemporary combo and the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir. He continues to produce recordings for Afro-Caribbean artists.

In his own words:

"I have always been interested in both computers and music and at SUNY Plattsburgh, I was able to develop my interests in these areas. I received a lot of individual attention from the professors in both programs. They were always available to help. They provided guidance and helped me to define a career direction unique to my interests. The facilities were excellent and the music technology lab was a great place to learn about technology and how it affects music. The campus is also beautiful and the students are nice and friendly."

Contact Craig for yourself! Contact Craig.

Elizabeth Paccione, Class of 2004

In her own words:

"I was impressed with all of the faculty, both inside and outside of my program. Many of my teachers made me conscious of social/cultural issues of which I had never been aware. For that I am grateful, as I believe it has shaped the person I am today. My music professors each had something musically unique to offer their students. Each one always made time for a meeting, whether to chat about a course, my future plans, or busking around Europe! I always felt that when I had a problem about anything, I'd leave someone's office with a solution.

"The music program offers its students a strong general music education that provides many possibilities for future study. The music tech room alone was a great resource...it had everything! It was a good place to work on a composition and record, or to just work on some keyboard skills.

"I had great music theory teachers that helped me develop a solid background in theory. These skills are useful in music therapy, as we are often improvising and developing spontaneous tasks with clients. For example, I completed an internship where I was always challenged to integrate the many skills I learned in the music program into my sessions with clients."

Do you have any advice for current or incoming students?

"I suggest you consider taking private lessons. It's a great way to work one to one with a faculty member and keep up with your private studies.

"Buy lots of sweaters. And a warm coat, too!"

Joseph Miller, Class of 1996

Joseph Miller majored in communications with a concentration in music and a minored in Business Administration. He is currently a Fellow of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council in Washington, D.C., the leading national organization representing minority interests in media and telecommunications. There he meets with FCC Commissioners, Congressional Representatives, and policy leaders to promote minority ownership of media outlets and universal service for low-income consumers.

Nothing I Have Done Would Have Been Possible Without Formal Training

"The music program at SUNY Plattsburgh, combined with my training in broadcasting and business, gave me a well-rounded, high touch perspective, rather than one that is only quantitative and analytical.

"For example, in my advocacy work, I am able to understand how stations work from the ground floor, and the creative skills that I honed in the music program provided a foundation that is absolutely necessary in order to see the big picture: just as a single instrument plays a role in an orchestration, a single policy objective plays a role in the overall way in which people will be affected by media."

The Professors and Students Made Me Feel Like a Person, Not a Number

"Who made an impression on me at SUNY Plattsburgh? Marshall Onofrio, my music instructor, is the first person to come to mind. Doug Skopp, Professor of history and Darnay Campbell, one of my fellow students, also played a big role. I have kept in touch with many people from Plattsburgh, students and faculty alike. I liked being a person instead of a number. That is lost on larger campuses, regardless of classroom size."

Joe's Advice for Students

"Get the best grades you can and stay involved but not too involved. It's important to participate in extracurriculars, but don't spread yourself too thin. Something has to give and it shouldn't be your grades."

Mike Farley, Class of 2002

In his own words:

"The best thing about the music department is the relaxed atmosphere and the willingness for just about anyone to come and join.

"When I came to Plattsburgh, I hadn't played the sax since I was 13 or 14. I had forgotten everything. I got into lessons and started putting in an hour every day and kept practicing more and more. I played a lot during my year abroad in Australia, and when I came back I was practicing six hours a day. And now, my teacher is really stressing bebop licks that demand a lot of technique, which I pretty much have.

"I am very grateful to have gone to a school like Plattsburgh where I had a chance to start from square one. There aren't many colleges that have programs where you can do that."

Advice for new music students: Practice!!! Listen to your teachers and practice!!

Ask Mike about Plattsburgh State.

Tom McNichols, Class of 2002

In his own words:

"I liked the individual attention that a motivated, hard-working student can receive from everyone in the department, starting with the secretary all the way to the department chair.

"Cardinal Singers provided an amazing variety of standard choral repertoire that any singer will sing again at some point. Minor Adjustments gave me great performance opportunities and led to friendships that continue today. Jazz Band was a good break from classical studies and with the focus on Afro-Cuban and Latin repertoire, it was a wonderful opportunity to explore nonstandard jazz."

Advice for new music students: Whether you're from a small town or large city, if you want to foster your talents in an inspiring and congenial atmosphere, and still have a great, all-around foundation for continued studies or performance, then Plattsburgh State is the place. The entire school community enjoys and appreciates the Music Department.

David Grippo, Class of 1981

Currently: Saxophonist and clarinetist David Grippo leads the Giant Country Horns, a five-piece horn section, on tour with the Trey Anastasio Band, and has recorded on 6 Phish CDs. Since 1991 he has recorded and toured with Michael Ray. He has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and at Radio City Music Hall.

When he is not on the road, Dave directs the instrumental music program and jazz ensembles in grades 6-12 at South Burlington High School and South Burlington Middle School, Vermont. Dave was the lucky recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant for jazz study in 1990.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about the music program of Plattsburgh State, please contact

Dr. Rick Davies, Chairperson
Department of Music
Phone: (518) 564-2471
Fax: (518) 564-2197
E-mail: mailto:daviesra@plattsburgh.edu

SUNY Plattsburgh
Department of Music
Myers Fine Arts 225
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
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