Dr. Bonner's vision for choral and orchestral music in the church and in the educational system is one that is vital to the sustainability and development of music education and music ministry. "It seems that we have lost a generation in many schools and evangelical churches, where somehow the notion that choirs and orchestras are irrelevant and unsustainable has become commonly accepted. The fact is, however, being led in worship by a large number of people, singing and playing boldly, exuding passion and meaning in every word and note, can inspire worshipers in a congregation to engage deeply in worship. The collaborative force compels the individual to respond in some way to the power emanating from an inspired ensemble. Similarly, there is perhaps no more meaningful experience in the educational system in which students can participate than in corporate music making, and a vibrant choir enables many, not just a few, students to grow together artistically, musically, passionately, socially, and in significant degrees of sophistication. Finding music that is engaging and meaningful to both the participants and the audience is crucial, and performing that music with profound passion, contagious excitement, and an irresistible desire to communicate results in thriving music programs where no one has to beg for participants and the enthusiasm spreads far and wide."
“If you want to know what’s in my head as I write/what sonic palette I’m hearing as I arrange, produce, orchestrate - this is it, my friends! Wow! There is so much that’s good about this: the choir, the expressiveness, the rhythm section (with a KILLER drummer), the blend, the space. If more individuals/churches/schools could be exposed to this kind of stuff, we’d have the “is the choir dying” discussion lying dead at our feet in no time!
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