Pedro
"Pete" Aviles - Baritone
Born
in “ Da Bronx ” and raised in Spanish Harlem in NYC, Pete experienced
the glory days of Doo Wop first-hand from street corner groups
whose harmonies could be heard most any summer night emanating
from the stone structure that supported the Penn-Central railroad.
The love of a capella music has stayed with him throughout his
own singing career. Pete has been a chorister and soloed with
several area groups including the Schenectady Choral Society (most
recently as the baritone soloist performing R.V.Williams' “Five
Mystical Songs”), the Burnt-Hills Oratorio Society, Burnt-Hills
Oratorio Repertory Singers, Saint Clare's Choraliers, Saratoga
Choral Festival and the Catholic Chorale. Pete has performed in
several area churches including the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception in Albany as cantor and soloist. He studies voice with
Karen Ranung of Albany.
Pete has been a cantor for over 10 years
at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Niskayuna as well
as lead singer with “The Ice Cream Tones”, a barbershop group,
which performed at Fatima 's 50th Anniversary celebration during
the summer of 2005.
Pete has been employed by the Social Security
Administration for over 30 years most recently as a technical
expert. In addition, he is the current president of American Federation
of Government Employees Local 3343, representing 15 field offices
throughout New York State.
Pete is the Board Secretary with Hometown
Health Center of Schenectady, the Burnt-Hills Oratorio Society
as well as the Better Life Empowerment Center of Schenectady and
past President of the Latino Action Coalition also of Schenectady.
Pete is happily married to his lovely wife Jeanne
for over 31 years. They moved to the capital area over 25 years
ago, now residing in Rotterdam.
Pete's passions include music making,
listening to his very extensive eclectic music collection, cross-stitching
and civic involvement. |
