Joe Laurenzano - Bass

Joe knew from the fifth grade he wanted to become a music teacher and earned his undergraduate degree in music education, but life took him in a different direction. Although he didn’t become a teacher, his time in college resulted in meeting his wife Dawn (a classical guitar major).

Joe spent most of his career in the non-profit sector, becoming certified in Braille, supervising a career services program, and eventually earning an MPA at Baruch College in NYC. He changed careers in mid-life by returning to school to study accounting. He is now a grant accountant at Rutgers.

Joe’s first singing experience was with his mother in the church choir. In college, he continued to sing and was exposed to the masters, such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Brahms, but stopped singing after graduation. Over the years he enjoyed cooking and woodworking, but he realized something was missing in his life. He joined a community chorus and Tuesday evening rehearsal became the highlight of his week. He knew then he would continue singing as long as he could.

Joe’s chorus collaborated with the Cäcilienchor of Frankfurt for several performances in Germany, which sparked an interest in European travel. He and his wife have been to Italy several times now and officially have the travel bug. Both are looking forward to retirement soon and having more time for music, volunteering, perhaps some gardening and of course travel. Andiamo! (Let’s go!)