PIERO BONAMICO
Chorus Master

Mr. Bonamico returned to Vermont in 1995 after completing his studies of piano, music education and conducting at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He was immediately hired to teach piano at Vermont College and to conduct the Mad River Chorale in Waitsfield, Vermont. While quickly discovering he had little desire to teach piano, his love of conducting singers was confirmed. He has since conducted choral festivals and workshops, continues to work with the Mad River Chorale and was hired as conductor of both the Randolph Singers and the Barre Choraleers.

Under his supervision, the Mad River Chorale received its 501(c)3 non-profit status and has undertaken a variety of ambitious projects including the founding of Vermont's premiere professional vocal ensemble Counterpoint. MRC Inc. has also grown to include two additional ensembles, the Mad River Kids' Chorale and the Mad River Cabaret Troupe. In the early spring of 2004 MRC Inc. assumed control of the Bundy Center for the Arts, a Bauhaus-style art gallery built in 1962 on a twelve-acre mountain plateau. From its new home MRC Inc is embarking on an extensive expansion of its public performances and educational initiatives.

Mr. Bonamico studies voice with world-renowned voice teacher Bill Reed and vocal jazz with Gregory Toroian, both of New York City.

Mr. Bonamico served as co-author with friend and mentor Donald Neuen on the collegiate textbook Choral Concepts, published by Wadsworth in January 2002. Upon the completion of Choral Concepts, Bonamico created the Choral Excellence Series. This company produces print, video and web tools for choral musicians across America. To date, these projects include Donald Neuen's Choral Techniques and Methods and Empower the Choir, and Robert DeCormier's A Choral Excursion and A Counterpoint Christmas. He is actively developing a variety of new projects including Marie Stultz's Choral Excellence for Young Voices; Patrick Freer's Techniques for the Changing Voice; and a collection of web-based ensemble management tools.