Rainier Chorale presents its Masterworks Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St.
The concert includes the world premiere of the song “The Bridge” by Dr. David Dickau. The new song was commissioned by the chorus to honor Ron Bayer, its artistic director, and celebrate his 20 years with the chorale.
Rainier Chorale is a community chorus based in Kent. It was established in 1986.
Bayer was hired as the conductor and artistic director. In 1996. At that time, the chorus had about 30 members. Under Bayer’s direction, the chorus expanded its membership to 75-80 members, and expanded its repertoire to include more jazz and music of current composers.
Having spent 14 years as director of choral activities at Green River College, Bayer teaches music theory, music technology and classic piano. He also serves as chair of the Fine Arts Division.
Bayer was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2004. He began his teaching at the high school level in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where he gained recognition as a strong, traditional choral director and also a leader in the then-emerging vocal jazz scene.
After completing a nine-year stint in the upper Midwest, he came to the Pacific Northwest following the lure of the mountains, teaching briefly at Mount Vernon High School before coming to Green River.
Bayer received his bachelor’s degree in music education (in vocal and instrumental music) at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and a master’s degree in choral music and conducting at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied with Harold Decker. Further graduate studies in jazz education were pursued at Western Michigan University, where he studied piano with and assisted Steve Zegree.
An avid mountaineer in his off time, Bayer is currently in demand as an adjudicator, clinician, pianist and arranger.
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