Getting to know your #Ubishops community is a must if you wish to fully immerse yourself into the BUbble! We decided to help you out by conducting monthly interviews with staff and faculty that contribute to the school’s success. This month we had the opportunity to talk to Sonia Patenaude, Coordinator for Accommodation and Event Services and Centennial Theatre.
Favourite book of all-time?
The Little Prince. I remember being mesmerized but this aviator surviving in the desert and his chance meeting with a child who knows exactly what he wants, exploring planets in what seemed in the blink of an eye. At CEGEP, I studied theatre and I had the opportunity to explore St-Exupéry’s philosophical novel again. As a parent, I used to read the book to and with my daughters – I was happy to pass on the many lessons of love, kindness and friendship found in this short yet precious literary work. “On ne voit bien qu’avec le coeur” (One can only see through the heart).
Favourite group or singer?
So much wonderful music out there: Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Antonio Carlos Jobim, The Beatles, The Commodores. As a trained singer I have been exposed to such amazing voices performing in a variety of styles – a tough choice.
Favourite movie of all-time?
The Usual Suspects – a captivating thriller that has you holding your breath until the very end.
Favourite spot on campus?
Centennial Theatre. I have had the opportunity to perform on the stage many years before knowing I would study and subsequently work here. I was working on archives recently and found files pertaining to me performing a school matinée with Théâtre Le Petit Chaplin (1996) and my first gospel concert with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir (2001).
Favourite spot off-campus?
The Pinnacle in Baldwin’s Mills – a short and most satisfying climb with a stunning view.
Favourite #Ubishops moment?
Graduating in 2006 (BA Music-voice), with my family in attendance including my 2 daughters (2 and 6 years old at the time). We stood in the rain, sang in the rain. It was the last graduation to be hosted on Coulter Field – but hey we made the frontpage of La Tribune!
Describe #Ubishops in three words.
Finding my self. After being a performer on stage for many years, I found my place behind the scenes promoting artists and creative projects.
If you had to switch jobs with someone on campus, what would it be and why?
Choir Director and/or Music Teacher. I am aware of all the work involved in composing and arranging and wish I had these skills so I live vicariously through my friend Fannie Gaudette (Music Department and BU Singers).
If you had to join a club or student group on campus, what would it be and why?
Bishop’s Bees. It’s a fascinating yet foreign world to me.
If you had to go back to school, which program would you pick and why?
Modern Languages to communicate with every single person I meet and understand and be understood. I am currently learning Spanish online while I miss working with my private teacher face to face.
