Faith United Methodist Church to showcase new music director, pianist

BRADENTON -- Faith United Methodist Church hired a choir director and pianist to grow its music program.

The results will be on display at Faith UMC's Easter Musical Cantata at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, March 27, at 7215 First Ave. W. NW Bradenton.

"The Alleluia Tree" Cantata will feature a choir of about 25 singers, a percussionist and dramatic readings.

The Faith Church choir has grown significantly since the arrival of new choir director, Craig Ramberger, and pianist Brandon Kouri in fall 2015. Ramberger also directs the three octave hand chime choir at the church.

Transplants from Colorado, Ramberger and Kouri have worked together as choir director and accompanist for years. They combine Ramberger's 35 years experience teaching high school and church choral music with Kouri's experience as a choral accompanist.

Ramberger holds a bachelor's degree in vocal and instrumental music education from Messiah (Pa.) College and a master's degree in choral conducting from Colorado State University.

He is an active participant in the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the National Education Association.

Kouri received his bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in piano performance with a focus on harpsichord, organ, and the French language. He has worked at the Sacred Heart Chapel in Penrose Main Hospital (Colo.), East United Methodist Church near the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, and Sand Creek High School.

Gary Eldred has led Faith Church since 2008 as senior pastor.

The 8 a.m. Sunday services offer communion each week, and 10:15 a.m. Sunday services include child care and a ministry for preschoolers and elementary age children called "Faith Place."

This story was originally published March 19, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Faith United Methodist Church to showcase new music director, pianist ."