Who is Charles Collett? This is what he had to say:
“I am a physics professor. This is my second year here … and it’s very much been a homecoming because I grew up here. My father was also a physics professor in the department … and I’m in the process of taking over for him after his retirement.”
In addition to his passion for physics, Collett emphasized the importance of music in his life:
“My entire family is very musical, so I grew up singing in a variety of traditions: at home, in church, in school. I even sang with three of the four members of Windborne* in summer camps from when I was 13 to when I was 19. So, it’s always been something that I’ve been interested in and had a lot of fun with.”
*Windborne Vocal Ensemble is a professional Corsican singing troupe that recently did a workshop with the Hamilton College Choir
But what inspired him to take the leap and join the choir?
“Since I’ve been teaching, I have tried to involve myself with musical things on campuses. It’s such a nice and clean break between doing physics over there and exercising a very different part of my brain here. It’s also a really nice way of getting to know students in a different way and in a different space.”
As to how it’s been for him to sing with students, he had this to say:
“It’s nice … you have, you know, an explicit authority role in the classroom dynamic, and there are certain relationships that are structured around that. So, it’s been nice to be able to interact with students on more of an equal level; we’re all here to make some beautiful music together.”
But what’s the big takeaway? Collett has a very clear idea:
“One of the big things that I’ve gotten from this opportunity is being able to be in a more intentionally emotional space. Physics education is structured so your focus is more on the equations and the sort of physical things that are happening, and not so much the role of the person in that. So, the opportunity to sing, to break out of the normal structures of the day has been really, really great.”
What do others say? We asked Daniel Rodriguez ’26, a student of Collett’s and a fellow choir member:
“Class with Professor Collett is always fun and engaging. He has creative ways to share physics with his students and is always trying his best. My favorite memory from class was learning from him [while] he was dressed up as The Cookie Monster for Halloween.”
In choir, Rodriguez observed his professor’s similar zest for creativity:
“As it so happens, he also has great expertise in this field, so I can always count on him to help me figure out which note I should be singing.”
Choir president Grace Park ’25 was also eager to share thoughts about the singing professor:
“Professor Collett’s dedication, enthusiasm, and, of course, his voice, contribute not only to the quality of our music but also to the sense of community within the group. During one rehearsal, when [our director] Professor Botha dismissed most of the choir early, I asked Professor Collett if he would join a small informal sectional with a few of us who wanted extra practice. Without hesitation, he agreed, and his knowledge and experience made a huge difference, helping us figure out the tricky sections.”
“I think it’s so inspiring to see a professor so deeply engaged outside of the classroom, bringing the same curiosity and dedication to choir that he likely brings to his work in physics. It’s a reminder that passion never fades, even when it might seem like two completely different areas. Professor Collett, we’re so happy to have you in choir with us!”
