We are pleased to welcome Dr. David Puderbaugh as our choir director this fall. David is not new to the community, recognized from his 23 years as director of the Chamber Singers of Iowa City. He began that position as he began work on his DMA at the University of Iowa. After getting the degree he became assistant professor in the Choral department, a position held for years by Dr. Richard Bloesch (who was the choir director at Congregational UCC for 40 years). And he has now become head of the Choral Department at UI, replacing the retired Dr. Timothy Stalter.

David grew up in the Des Moines area, attended Drake University and then received the MM from the University of Missouri.  David is an authority on Estonian music, studying there on a Fulbright Scholarship and returning several times.

We feel very fortunate to have David join us. He states: “I'm excited to become part of the Congregational Church's long history of lovely people making beautiful choral music within worship! I look forward to picking up where my friend Chris Nakielski has left off, and I thank the choir, Pastor Lovin, and church leaders for putting their trust in me as the choir enters this next chapter in its history. Richard Bloesch was one of my professors at Iowa, and I eventually took his position there after he retired. Now I'm stepping into the position at the church he held for so many years; another circle is completed. I'm honored to follow Richard, Chris, and the many UI choral graduate students who have led the choir.

For information on how to become involved in the choir, please talk with David or call the church office at 319-337-4301.