Dates

• Existence: 1908 - 2002

Biography

Music educator Dorothy Bondurant was born September 29, 1908, in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from West High School in 1926. Bondurant received a Bachelor of Music degree in organ, piano, and composition at the American Conservatory, Chicago, in 1929. In 1932, she earned an M.A. at the University of Iowa. She taught music methodology at the University of Dubuque from 1930-1932. Bondurant also taught summer sessions at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and at the University of Nevada.

In 1935, Bondurant joined the Waterloo Community Schools as the Elementary Instrumental Music Supervisor. In the 1960s-1970s, she coordinated cultural programs for K-12 students in the Waterloo Schools. After retiring in 1976, Bondurant worked as Arts Coordinator at the Waterloo Recreation and Arts Center.

Bondurant published articles in a variety of state and national journals for music professionals. She also wrote and arranged music for instructing elementary school orchestras and bands. The Willis Music Company published this material in 1957 as Music of America. Bondurant also wrote about how to set up educational dance programs across the United States and worked with the Iowa Arts Council on evaluating Iowa arts programs.

Bondurant was involved in numerous community organizations. She served as president of the Waterloo Woman's Club, the American Association of University Women, the Friday Study Club, and the B Natural Music Club. She was also active in the LMI Music Club, the Cedar Arts Forum, the Delta Omicron Music Sorority, and the United Way. Bondurant also served on the Friends of the Symphony board, the Goodwill Auxiliary board, the Junior Gallery board, and the board of the First United Methodist Church. She also played in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony for 27 years. When she retired to Friendship Village, Bondurant offered music appreciation classes to the residents. Bondurant passed away in 2002.

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