Teaching singing is a full-time career for TONI BILOTTI CECERE. She is not an actor or singer who is looking to have something to do in between shows. She is not working on her own singing career, while trying to help you with yours. Rather, she is a dedicated and well-respected voice teacher who has devoted over 30 years to teaching singers to become the best they can be. She approaches voice study in a holistic way, not only through an understanding of the developmental level and abilities of the student, but also having awareness of bio-psycho-social issues and voice science. Whether you want to have a career on Broadway, be a pop star, sing with the Metropolitan Opera, or just become the best singer you can be, Toni is the teacher for you! Ms. Cecere's students have performed with distinction throughout the country, winning principal roles across singing styles – from Classical to Musical Theater to Pop. They have appeared on Broadway, on TV, in commercials, and in regional opera. Ms. Cecere's singing experience, training in vocal pedagogy and voice science, along with her professional experience in the music business make her uniquely qualified to train aspiring performers. Toni Bilotti Cecere has studied voice science and vocal pedagogy at Westminster Choir College. As part of her voice science training, she interned with renowned voice scientist Dr. Anat Keidar, a specialist in treating voice disorders in singers across the genre. Ms. Cecere received a B.A. and NJ State Teachers’ Certification K-12 from Montclair State College, Master’s Degree from New York University and Certification in Contemporary and Commercial Music from Shenandoah University. Post-graduate training, voice science/vocal pedagogy, Kodaly Certification (a pedagogical method that develops music literacy and musical independence) were completed at Westminster Choir College. Ms. Cecere studied voice with Margaret Harshaw (of Indiana University) and with Vincent La Selva (of The Juilliard School). Ms. Ceere is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and The New York Singing Teachers Association, and has presented at the New Jersey Music Educators Conference on females training male voices, male voice change, and vocal health. Toni teaches VOICE. |
GAETANO CECERE is revered by students for his gentle, kind demeanor, and wonderful sense of humor. He has a gift for showcasing students at every level of achievement and at bringing them to new mastery. Mr. Cecere has been a music educator and administrator for over thirty years. In 2018 he won the Presidential Honor for Most Influential Teacher. Mr. Cecere joined the faculty of Don Bosco Prep in 2006 as the Director of the Concert Band and Music Teacher, and has since established additional ensembles of String Orchestra and Liturgical Music, building the music program to well over 200 students. Mr. Cecere came to Don Bosco Prep from Halsey Intermediate School 296, a magnet school for the arts in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where he was band teacher for twenty-five years before becoming Assistant Principal. During his tenure at Halsey IS, Mr. Cecere was nominated three consecutive years for the New York Daily News’ Principal’s Pride of Music award. This award recognized Mr. Cecere’s ability to transform students with no familiarity with an instrument or music literacy into acknowledged performers. The Halsey Concert Band was invited to play for many New York City and borough events, including Governor Mario Cuomo’s March of Champions, an anti-drug program for children of the community; at New York City Hall for the swearing in ceremony of Councilman Erik Martin Dilan; and for the Puerto Rican Day Parade down Fifth Avenue. Mr. Cecere holds a B.S. degree in Music Education from Pace University (piano and violin major), an M.A. in Music Education from Brooklyn College (piano major), a certificate in Administration and Supervision from City College of New York, Certifications in School Administration and Supervision, School District Administration, General Music, Orchestral Music, and a National Teacher’s Examiner’s License.
Gaetano teaches PRIVATE INSTRUCTION IN PIANO, GUITAR, VIOLIN. |
BROOKE DEBETTIGNIES is a theater director and educator with a passion for dramatic programming that empowers young performers and equips them with skills for life. She has a BFA in Acting from Pace University (NYC) and her MA in Theater Directing from Mountview Academy of Theater Arts (London). Additional training includes the Shakespeare program at RADA (London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and Improv at The Second City (Chicago). Her experimental research in improvisational theater and children’s self-concept has been presented at the American Psychological Association’s National Convention where it was awarded ‘best research’. She’s served as the Youth Program Director at Improvolution in NYC, and worked with Mousetrap Theater Projects in London. As a theater educator she has taught various courses, intensives, and workshops in cities such as LA, NYC, and London. TV credits include: CBS’s Criminal Minds, NBC’s Las Vegas, Discovery Channel’s Hip Hop Harry, and Comedy Whacked (series regular). Favorite stage roles include: The Anatomy of Gray (June), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), The Winter’s Tale (Perdita), and The Crucible (Abigail Williams). Theater Directing credits include: Lord of the Flies, The Importance of Being Earnest (PT Productions), In the Year 2125 (Talos Sci-Fi Festival), Commedia Del Partay (Stand Up Productions) and the world premiere of The Gauntlet (Catalyst Festival). Professional theater credits include: Beef & Boards Dinner Theater, LA Improv, and the American Cabaret Theater.
Brian Walters is an actor most known for starring as Marcus in the hit musical comedy Murder For Two. He also performed in productions of Titanic (National Tour), The Who’s Tommy, Parade, and The 12: A New Rock Musical. Film credits include: Touching the Sound and Straight Outta Tompkins. Brian is currently writing and orchestrating his own concert piece On My Sleeve. As a vocalist Brian has toured the United States, Canada and Caribbean in concert, and was rehearsal understudy for Michael Feinstein at his New Year’s Eve performance with the New York Philharmonic. Brian is a sought after theater and vocal coach, and has worked with theater students at Montclair State University, New York University and The Canadian College of Performing Arts. He earned his BFA in Musical Theater from Pace University, is a member of Actors Equity Association, and is an ol’ friend of YouthSong! Not only was Brian a student of Toni Bilotti Cecere, but also he was one of the very first faculty members to join YouthSong during the beginning years of YouthSong’s Triple Threat Theater Camp! Brian brings great energy and skill; students under his tutelage achieve great success and develop their passion for performing! We are happy to welcome Brian “back home!”
MICHELLE PETRASEK has successfully taught music to children for many years. Her fun, spirited teaching style engages students immediately. Ms. Petrasek holds the position of elementary music teacher, grades K to 8, at St. Andrew’s School in Clifton. She also is Director of Music and Youth Ministry for the parish. Michelle teaches music; directs three choirs for adults, teens and children; and plans and executes all music-related events and activities for the parish and school. Michelle holds a B.A. in Creative Writing with a Minor in Music. She is owner of M.P. Music, a music school in Clifton and Paterson, offering music classes for children 18mos. to 13 years old. YouthSong was delighted to introduce Michelle as a member of its faculty for the 2016 Triple Threat Broadway Camp this past summer. Michelle teaches KINDERSING and LEARN TO SING classes for YouthSong.
Actor MATT BAN has appeared on Broadway and on tour with the hit musical ROCK OF AGES as Dennis DuPree. He also toured North America with MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT. Other credits include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Tevye), OKLAHOMA (Ali Hakim), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (the Dentist), MADAME SECRETARY (TV) and many more. Matt is also an accomplished voice over artist and has been featured in multiple animated programs and
features. He can be heard in the upcoming "Pumpkin Reports" and as the singing Ice Prince in "Baby Learning World." Matt has degrees in Theater and Speech. He also studied improv with the Upright Citizen's Brigade in NYC. In 2016, directed the DBP Fall Drama production of TWELVE ANGRY MEN. Matt teaches acting classes for YouthSong.
features. He can be heard in the upcoming "Pumpkin Reports" and as the singing Ice Prince in "Baby Learning World." Matt has degrees in Theater and Speech. He also studied improv with the Upright Citizen's Brigade in NYC. In 2016, directed the DBP Fall Drama production of TWELVE ANGRY MEN. Matt teaches acting classes for YouthSong.
ALLEGRA LELAND is a choreographer and is currently choreographing Tarzan, the Stage Musical Based on the Disney Film at Don Bosco Prep. She has trained in dance for over 17 years with master teachers throughout New York & New Jersey. In addition to numerous leading roles in regional theater productions and Off-Broadway, Allegra has appeared in commercials, print modeling, and in Independent Films. She was offered a talent based scholarship to the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City, where she studied Musical Theater. Allegra is a member of the Actors' Equity Association and was an original cast member of A Christmas Rose, a musical that debuted at Carnegie Hall with Jane Seymour. Last year, she appeared as Hope in an Off-Broadway production of Anything Goes on Theater Row 42nd Street. Allegra enjoys being a true triple threat: a classically trained ballet dancer and an award-winning vocalist and actor. As a compassionate & enthusiastic instructor who is also a working actor, Allegra loves sharing the joy of dance & having fun with her students!
TONI BLOCKBERGER is a BA Dance Education major at Montclair State University. She has been training since the age of 2 and has studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern. She began competing at the age of 10 and has won numerous top awards at regional and national competitions on the east coast. Toni is dance instructor at several competition dance studios in Bergen County, teaching all styles from creative movement to ballet to hip hop.. At Montclair, she studies ballet, modern, and contemporary, and has had the privilege of performing in works by Bill T. Jones, Alwin Nikolais, Jessica Di Mauro and Nancy Lushington. She was most recently received the Peins Dance Scholarship for excellence in dance education. Toni is anticipated to graduate in May 2020 and is eager to teach and share her passion for dance with her students.
