Brandon Bonine ’12 Invited Back to Selective Jazz Workshop

Last summer Brandon Bonine ’12 got the opportunity of a lifetime:  He was one of only 50 people selected from around the world to attend a five-day workshop with jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, one of the most critcally acclaimed American jazz musicians and winner of 17 Grammy Awards.

Just this week he learned that lightning can strike (a chord) twice:  He’s invited back again this summer.

“It’s such an incredible honor [to be invited back],” says Brandon.  “I’m ecstatic.”

An avid guitarist (“He’s never without a guitar in his hand,” says mom Shawn.), Brandon originally qualified for the workshop after submitting a series of audition tapes.  In the end, Brandon was one of only three teenagers invited to attend the workshop, which included sessions with not only Metheny, but also with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez.  The week-long workshop culminated in the entire group recording a 42-minute-long composition written by Metheny.

“My time spent with Pat Metheny last summer afforded me the opportunity to observe and play with not only a genius but a perfectionist and my idol,” says Brandon.  “I was privileged to see how he continues to create his legacy.  My week with Pat Metheny has had a profound influence on my music and changed my life forever.  I look forward to studying with him again.”