TAMAQUA — Drew Bonner has been appointed as the arts and events coordinator of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center.
He will fill the role recently vacated by Leona Rega, who left to become executive director of the Adams County Arts Council in Gettysburg.
Bonner, a Tamaqua native and a member of the Tamaqua Area High School Class of 2010, is a composer, arranger, performer and teacher.
“I am so excited to be joining the Tamaqua Community Arts Center family,” he said. “I have been an admirer of the arts center from afar since its inception. Now, coming home to work for my hometown community is a real honor.
“My goals are to continue the success of the arts center while adding in my own ideas to foster more creativity across the community. I can’t wait to get started!”
Bonner is an active arranger and creates 50-plus arrangements each year for various ensembles.
He writes music for collegiate marching bands and music for bands, chamber ensembles and soloists.
His compositions have been performed by groups across the United States, including the Fountain City Brass Band and the Stiletto Brass Quintet.
Bonner recently started a video series on his YouTube channel Drew Bonner Music.
He regularly uploads music videos as well as videos about the life of a professional musician.
Bonner’s goal is to ignite passion in young musicians and inspire anyone that watches to be creative.
He is a founding member of the euphonium quartet FivE, regularly giving performances and master classes around the United States.
The members’ perspective on chamber music is influenced by creating an experience for the audience that includes not just euphonium playing, but singing, dancing, comedy and other theatrical elements.
He has a bachelor’s degree in music from Penn State University and a master’s degree in music from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he served as a graduate assistant with the University of Texas Bands Department.