Name: Dr. Brian Bonin

Job: Assistant professor of Music and coordinator of the Vocal Music program at Clarkston Campus.

Favorite thing about working at GPC: The enthusiasm that many of our students have about learning. It is a joy to be able to share classical music with our students, many of whom have little or no prior experience with it.

Education/work background: I have a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance from Louisiana State University. I came to the Atlanta area after graduating and have also taught at Emory University and Piedmont College. I have sung opera and given recitals in a variety of venues, primarily in the Southeast. I most recently appeared in the Peach State Opera production of “Così fan tutte.”

Family: Most of my extended family lives in southwest Louisiana where I grew up.

Recently read book: The memoir of Thomas Quasthoff, who is an international recital/concert singer with severe physical disabilities that resulted from his mother taking Thalidomide during pregnancy. His story is quite inspiring.

Favorite movie: I found Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” to be thought-provoking and visually stunning.

Professional goals: Aside from professional singing gigs, I want to write a couple of books. The first would explore the lives of two American composers, Chris DeBlasio and Calvin Hampton, who made significant contributions to American music but tragically died of AIDS. I also want to write a textbook for undergrad and graduate song literature courses.

Most influential person in my life and why: The voice teacher with whom I studied for my doctorate has shaped my view of the world in so many ways. She taught me the importance of being present in the moment.

Leisure activities: Going to local theater productions with friends.

Pet peeve: I strongly dislike apathy.

Something most people don’t know about me: I am a closet “Trekkie.” While I don't have any interest in going to a convention or dressing like a character from the “Star Trek” shows, I have watched all of the series and movies several times.