Our Spotlight on the Arts for January 2025 shines brightly on a multi-talented artist, Pateley Bongiorni!
How long have you been involved in the performing arts?
I have been singing and acting since a very young age but was inspired to become a music teacher by my high school Choir Director, TC O’Brien. I am in my seventh year of teaching choral music in St. Mary’s County and I currently work as the Choral Director at Chopticon High School, home of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts program.
I also serve as the Music Director for The Newtowne Players, a community theater in Lexington Park, Maryland, and have been featured on and off stage in many productions such as: Big Fish (Music Director), Night on Broadway (cast member), Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood), and The Sound of Music (Music Director).
This year I became a 2024-2025 season member of the tri-county community choir Hope in Harmony whose mission is to feature talented, diverse singers who are passionate about spreading hope through music. This group is conducted by TC O’Brien, the very same person who inspired me to become a music educator in the first place. I love performing and sharing my passion for music with my students!
What brought you to St. Mary’s County?
I was raised in Charles County so I have always had roots in Southern Maryland. In the spring of 2018 I graduated from Frostburg State University and was offered a job at Esperanza Middle School in California, Maryland. I knew the area already and I really respected the administration there so I accepted the position. I’ve been teaching in the county ever since!
We hear that you have a newly released album, Christmas Carols!
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with such talented and kindhearted musicians in the newly formed ‘Rivers of Harmony’ ensemble on this CD. I am always especially inspired whenever I get the chance to work alongside my best friend and husband, David W. Cook. The album is in loving memory of our cellist’s mother Carol Gleason, and is filled with Christmas classics in new arrangements. It has been a joy to conduct so many unique arrangements with these attentive musicians. This is definitely an album you will want to play over and over again!
What are your projects in the works for 2025?
In 2025 I will be music directing the spring musical, Shrek, at Chopticon High School April 3rd through the 5th. Rehearsals are already underway and it is sure to be a family- friendly, spectacular show!
I am also singing in two concerts with Hope in Harmony, one on February 15th at the Hall at Huntington (a fundraising Gala event including a four course meal and a performance) which you can purchase tickets to now! The other will be our spring concert on June 7th and 8th at St. Charles High School, which is free and open to the public.
What are your other interests?
I love to spend time reading, especially this time of year, with a nice cup of coffee or tea. David and I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new restaurants, parks, and musical experiences all around Maryland.
Links of interest:
Chopticon Chorus – Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chopchorus)
David W. Cook, Tenor – website/Christmas Carols album (https://davidwcook.hearnow.com/)
Hope in Harmony – concert on February 15th (www.hopeinharmonymd.org/event-details-registration/lead-with-love-2025-gala)
Hope in Harmony – website (https://www.hopeinharmonymd.org/)
Shrek – Chopticon High School spring musical, details TBA here: https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24767
The Newtowne Players – website (https://www.newtowneplayers.org/)