This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
At New Sathorn International School in Thailand, David Castelletti ’05 is still fine-tuning the curriculum for its new music department, with ideas from former instructor Tom DiGiovanni ’96.
As one of New Sathorn’s first music teachers, Castelletti’s seniority will put him in a good position to become the department head. The school is the newest ever to be accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation.
Previously, Castelletti taught music and English to students at Assumption College Thonburi in Thailand, where he also designed the curriculum for the program.
His relocation to Thailand from Martins Creek, Pa., was inspired by a Lafayette interim-abroad course that examined the economics and politics of Thailand and Myanmar.
Also, the experience of Joseph Shieber, assistant professor of philosophy, stirred Castelletti’s interest in teaching.
“[Shieber] spent some time teaching English as a second language in Germany, and regarded it as a great choice for a recent graduate who wasn’t certain about which career to choose,” he says. “Professor Shieber’s course in existentialism forced me to think about how to spend my life, so he and I spent some time in his office discussing both my ideas for life after college and his course of action when he finished his undergraduate studies.
“As a double major in music and philosophy, I didn’t know where my niche would be, but I knew my education and my personality were versatile. I also considered the opportunity for continuing my (informal) studies in ethnomusicology. Having been inspired by [music] Professor J. Larry Stockton and his enthusiasm for world music, I saw residence here as a rich opportunity for exposure to the musicology of Thailand and beyond.”
In addition, Castelletti credits his fervor of international exploration to June Schlueter, Charles A. Dana Professor of English, who recently stepped down as Lafayette provost, and her husband, Paul Schlueter, who made his exposure to foreign countries possible.
Initially, living abroad has posed some challenges for Castelletti, who is in a suburb 45 minutes outside of Bangkok. English-speaking Thais are scarce, so he was forced to learn the Thai language. However, he says that living away from the city helped him to acquire it faster than other international colleagues who rely on English-speaking personnel in town.
He believes the benefits outweigh any difficulties.
“The rewards are endless,” Castelletti says. “As a full-fledged resident, I get to actively participate in a culture rather than simply observing it. I impact young people’s lives and turn them on to aspects of music they wouldn’t otherwise consider, especially thanks to ProfessorStockton’sWorld Music Traditions course and [physics] Professor G. Lyle Hoffman’s Physics of Music. A teaching position encourages me to continually study subjects outside the musical arena, such as child psychology and educational methodology. Overall, the value of the life experience I’m gaining here — not only professionally, but also personally and culturally — is beyond what I could’ve expected.”
Castelletti wants to build a career in Thailand and plans to teach philosophy and music, but also is considering study for a master’s degree in music education from Boston University.