12/17/2025
Amplifying Black Brilliance Teaching Artist Spotlight ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cherisse R. Bonefont
is a conductor, vocalist, and music educator with extensive experience working with children and teens in church and community settings. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Essence of Harmony Choral Society, an ensemble dedicated to performing and preserving music by Black American composers and arrangers.
Cherisse has served for several years as the Director of the Youth Choir at Bethel AME Church, where she has worked closely with young singers from elementary through high school age. In this role, she has led weekly rehearsals, prepared choirs for worship services and special programs, and guided students in developing healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and confidence as young performers. Her teaching approach emphasizes listening, movement, and age-appropriate technique, helping students connect music to expression, story, and community.
As a vocalist, Cherisse has performed a wide range of repertoire including spirituals, gospel, classical, and concert works. She brings her performance experience into her teaching, helping students understand how vocal technique, text, and musical storytelling work together. She is known for creating supportive, engaging learning environments where young musicians feel encouraged to explore their voices and grow as leaders.
Cherisse holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Messiah University. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, and the National Association of Negro Musicians.
ABB registration is open now-Dec 30th.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/mV196TwEgm?origin=lprLink
Want to know more? Visit: https://brtstage.org/whats-on/the-amplifying-black/
ABB is hosted by Bristol Riverside Theatre/ BRT Education & No Longer Bound Prevention and Training Services
