Making music in ministry:
Couple uses musical gifts to share message of Christ

The directives for this next passage—Patrick and Amy Fata’s journey into full-time music ministry—are appassionato and spiritoso. The arrangement—written by God in whole notes—began years ago, half a continent and an ocean apart.

Amy (Branson) first performed in public when she was just three years old. As she grew up—first in Mississippi and then in Michigan—Amy’s talents as a singer and pianist made her a popular feature of Christian gatherings and talent shows. When the time came for Amy to start college, Huntington had the perfect pitch. "I was looking for a small Christian school close to home," Amy says. "I looked at several places, but after just one trip to Huntington, there was no doubt that the Lord wanted me there. And, of course, I was very impressed by the music program’s facilities and faculty."

Across the pond in Paris, Patrick Fata had been studying piano since the tender age of nine. As he grew up, Patrick complemented traditional academics with rigorous music studies at the highly regarded Conservatoire National de Ràgion de Rueil-Malmaison. He learned about Huntington from the 100-plus college catalogs he’d ordered from the United States. Patrick qualified for an international scholarship at Huntington and entered the college as a pre-med major. "I came to Huntington to study science, another love of mine," he says. "However, in the middle of my junior year, I felt called to study piano full time."

That’s when the two-part harmony really picked up. "Patrick and I started developing a friendship through our music classes," Amy says. "Eventually, we began to study together, and we would have these wonderful long talks. I don’t think we ever opened a book! I wrote in my journal one week after our first date that I thought Patrick was ‘The One.’

"I will always cherish my years at Huntington, not only for the incredible friends found or the wonderful memories made, but for the growth I experienced in all areas of my life," Amy says. "Besides being challenged musically and academically, Huntington provided the powerful experience of growth in my walk with my Savior. Huntington was where my heart was first prepared for what I do now."

Patrick is on the same sheet of music: "Huntington University will forever hold a special place in my heart, not only because it was my first experience in this country I now call home, but more importantly, it was where I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of my life," he says. "People often ask me how I ended up at HU all the way from Europe. That’s an easy question to answer—this is where the Lord brought me, so I could learn about Him."

Amy and Patrick began performing together in 1995. They graduated from Huntington in the spring of 1996 and were married that summer. For the last five years, Amy has served as music teacher and choral director at Noblesville (Indiana) High School, while Patrick has been an adjunct faculty member at Taylor University and has provided private piano instruction in their home. And, both Amy and Patrick have earned master’s degrees—in vocal performance and piano performance, respectively.

Both Fatas are well-versed in classical music, and Patrick continues to perform that genre during solo recitals and piano competitions, of which he’s won more than his share. When they perform together, however, music of inspiration is their forte. In 1998, they recorded their first CD of original music, We Worship You As Never Before.

And so, it’s with great passion and high spirits that the Fatas prepare for full-time ministry at churches, conferences, retreats, and other gatherings. They recently performed during a women’s retreat hosted by Grammy nominated Christian singer-songwriter Kathy Troccoli.

"We’ve been waiting on the Lord to reveal His next step for our lives for several years," Amy says. "Finally, He has granted this desire of our hearts. Writing music has been a major part of our lives, and we consider it a privilege to share His message wherever He leads us."

If you want to do a sound check, visit their Web site: amyandpatrickfata.com. While you are at it, take a close look at www.huntington.edu/music.