New Music Faculty Member | Welcome Andrew Bonnema
Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Bonnema to the music faculty.
Having attained an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Bob Jones University and an M.M. in Trombone Performance from the University of South Carolina, Bonnema has served at Grace Christian School in West Columbia, SC, in music education and as band director since 2015. He has conducted all levels of band, directed choirs, coached instrumental ensembles for competition, and taught private lessons for everything from flute to reed instruments, brass, and percussion.
He is, however, not one-dimensional. MBU Dean of Students Andrew Goodwill knows Bonnema from college days and testifies, “I appreciate Andrew’s easy manner and broad interests. While he is a skilled musician, his interests beyond music help him relate to a wide spectrum of people. He purposefully took harder routes of class in college so that he could be better equipped to train others.” Beyond music, Bonnema has taught Bible and geometry and has tutored students in literacy skills and in SAT, ACT, and GRE preparatory courses. He and his wife Courtney currently work in a children’s ministry, and they also enjoy home improvement projects, though Bonnema humbly admits, “I am still learning much in that department.”
“Growing up in a home with parents who believed in Christ alone for salvation,” Bonnema explains, “I heard the Gospel regularly throughout my childhood.” Consequently, he professed faith in Christ at the age of five and shortly thereafter had the august privilege of being baptized in a horse watering trough. Following his parents’ example, the Bonnemas prioritize family and the spiritual development of their children—Nathan (3) and Krista (1). They are joyfully anticipating one more Bonnema in June.
“I am attracted to Maranatha,” Bonnema states, “because of the sound Biblical focus and the ability to influence godly Christian musicians for the next generation. Music has always been integral to God’s people and the worship of our Savior, and teaching others to continue towards excellence in music in pursuit of our Savior satisfies my personal passion. As J.S. Bach wrote, ‘Soli Deo gloria’—To God alone, the glory.”
Bonnema will be assuming the responsibilities of retiring faculty member Dr. Rick Townsend. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew Bonnema to our music team,” says Dr. David Ledgerwood. “He possesses fine credentials and brings experience in classroom vocal and instrumental music, trombone, and organization. He will be overseeing the Music Education program, teaching methods classes for classroom teaching, observing student teachers, and classes in Early and Middle Childhood music. We were all impressed with his recommendations and his humble and teachable spirit.”
“The School of Education is excited to welcome Andrew Bonnema as the director of the Music Education program,” adds Dr. David Handyside. “I have observed his servant’s heart and engaging personality. I see him and his family as a good fit for our Music Education program. He will continue our tradition of producing strong Music Education teachers for the ‘Praise of His Glory.’”