Stuart Bonell comes from a family of barbershoppers in central Ontario, with whom he sings in a mixed quartet called Blue Genes. The 22-year-old also sings bass with the Toronto Northern Lights. I met Stuart during our time with the Ontario Youth A Cappella Chorus, where we shared many a tag. Stuart comes from North Bay, and he has been studying and working since high school.
I’m putting the spotlight on Stuart because I have often heard questions raised about how we can bolster membership – particularly youth membership – and I think that Stuart is taking some great steps towards that. I have already heard many people say that it’s not just a matter of having outreach, but also that the face of that outreach is relatable to the intended audience; in this case, the face of a youth! Stuart Bonell recently began volunteering at Northumberland Radio 89.7 in Cobourg. Attendees at the Spring convention may recall a plaque being presented to one Jim Glover. Glover is the host of a radio show at 89.7 called A Cappella Fellas, through which he has promoted barbershop groups from far afield. Stuart’s volunteering has grown into heavier participation with podcasting at 89.7, and his love of barbershop shines through that participation. The way Stuart will inevitably spread the good word on barbershop is something we’ll likely never be able to measure, so I’m glad he’s with us!
If you see Stuart at a district event or a show, drop him a line and say hi! Ask him about how the radio show is going! Feel free to drop him a line at bonellski@hotmail.com.
Spotlight Ontario District is a series intended to introduce barbershoppers to the community, with their permission. As an organization consisting of people from all walks of life, it is fitting that we do more than sing together; we grow together, we ‘glow together, and we connect. Although they may come and go, barbershoppers are a community, and perhaps even a family.
There is no particular kind of person who is sought after as the subject of this series, only an idea: that a barbershopper is more than a tenor, lead, baritone, or bass. A barbershopper is not defined by this music we love making together, but barbershoppers define that music! Inspiration and motivation to perform a piece of music comes from the experiences we have shared with others who have moved us. So if you know someone whom you would like to see in the spotlight, email Chris at trillium@ontariosings.com.