Eddie Bonnemère
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eddie Bonnemère | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 15, 1921 |
| Died | March 19, 1996 (aged 75) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Labels | Roost Records, Fortress |
Edward Valentine Bonnemère (February 15, 1921 – March 19, 1996) was an African-American jazz pianist as well as a Catholic church musician, composer and a public school teacher. His "Missa Hodierna" became in 1966 the first Jazz Mass ever used in a Catholic church in the United States.[1]
Eddie Bonnemère, a native of New York City, received his education at Saint Mark's Roman Catholic School in Harlem and DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. He furthered his academic pursuits at New York University, earning both a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949 and a Master's degree in music education in 1950.
Teaching career
Following the completion of his Master's degree, he embarked on a notable career as a music educator within the New York City public school system. Over the course of thirty-three years, he taught at various schools across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. His most enduring tenure spanned eleven years at Intermediate School 55 in Brooklyn's Oceanhill-Brownsville area, where he instructed students in vocal and instrumental music. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as head of the music department.
In addition to his work in the public school system, he remained active in the music community. He served as the director of the Brooklyn Public School choir and held a teaching position at the Community School located at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Harlem.
Bonnemère's contributions to music education extended beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues alike.[2]
