Bara is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, the University of Michigan and the Eastman School of Music. At Eastman, he received the prestigious performance certificate and the first Harold Gleason Emerging Artist Award. He served as organ scholar at St. Thomas Church and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Bara also serves as organist at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan.

Bara won first prize in the Arthur Poister National Organ Competition and was a finalist in the National Young Artist Competition and Fort Wayne National Organ Competition. He has performed widely as soloist and as accompanist to the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, including concerts at the Royal Cathedral, Copenhagen; King’s College, Cambridge; St. John’s Smith Square, London; and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. His debut CD “Pageant: A Pipe Organ Spectacular” is available on the Raven label.