The Gary Bonner Singers

Transforming Lives Through Music

THE VISION OF DR. GARY BONNER

George Bernard Shaw once said that all progress depends on the “unreasonable man.” In fact, some of man’s greatest contributions to the world have been inspired by a persistent unwillingness to accept that which was commonly accepted. A flying machine…a walk on the moon…a blind artist…a deaf composer.

Thirty-five years ago, Dr. Gary Bonner was inspired by a persistent unwillingness to accept that the quality of choral music was limited by the singersæand that the conductor could only work within these limitations. He began experimenting with different body movements, eye contact, facial expressions. His choir responded in kind. He made rehearsals less predictable, and the voices became more spontaneous and filled with life. He elevated his mood, and the voices were uplifted. The choir turned to face the audience, and the audience was transformed from spectators to participants. And Dr. Bonner experienced living proof of his vision: that music is a communication vehicleæand the conductor is the conduit through which its beauty, emotion, and life force moves through singers and players to touch the audience. He had proven that the quality of choral music was limited not by the singers, as was commonly accepted, but by the ability of the conductor to make a true connection between himself and the singers, players, and audience. Thus was planted the seed for The Bonner Institute for the Advancement of Choral Music.

SPREADING THE VISION

To date, the Bonner Method has been taught to over 600 conductors in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia through the Institute’s intensive one-week Conducting Seminars. Millions of lives have been touched and changed through inspired performances in churches, public schools, private schools, and universities. Seminar participants not only learn Dr. Bonner’s innovative approach to conducting, but also benefit from lessons in enhancing communication, building groups, and strengthening relationships.

Perhaps some of the most important works of The Bonner Institute are being experienced in high schools, where growing numbers of young people are learning life lessons through music. There are numerous examples of high school choral groups coming back from the brink of extinction after a conductor trained by Dr. Bonner began to give leadership and introduced a new vision for the music program.. Even more impressive is the wide cross section of students who have joined these groupsæfrom low achievers to football players and everything in between. Through Institute-trained conductors, these students are learning fundamental lessons about trust and adaptability, giving and receiving, patience, being present in the moment, and working toward their personal best.

Through the Bonner Institute, music becomes a metaphor for life, and students are eager to learn.

TOUCHING FUTURE GENERATIONS

The vision of Dr. Bonner and The Bonner Institute can only be carried out through the generosity of companies, foundations, and individuals who share a dedication to preserving this unique art form. No other organization in the world is delivering, teaching, or performing music in this way. The continuation of our work rests on our ability to respond to ongoing requests for conductor training tools and seminars from around the globe, and ultimately, in teaching other conductors to train the Bonner Method.

We hope you will join us as a partner in transforming lives through music.