Dr. Susan Barnes

BIOGRAPHY
 

Dr. Susan Barnes is a distinguished conductor and educator based in Southern California. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, Learning, and Technology from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting and Historical Performance Practices

from Claremont Graduate University.

​

Since founding the string program in the Rialto Unified School District in 1996, Dr. Barnes has remained a leader in music education. She currently directs the choral and orchestral programs at W. A. Carter High School in Rialto, where her student ensembles consistently earn accolades

through performances at local and regional concerts and music festivals. She also serves as adjunct faculty with the College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino.

​

Dr. Barnes is deeply committed to bringing the joy of music performance to the young people of San Bernardino County. As the conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony's new Overture Orchestra, she is honored to help expand access to high-quality music education and ensemble

experience for developing musicians in the region.

​

An active freelance violinist and violist, Dr. Barnes performs with several local orchestras and chamber ensembles and is a founding member of the Fisher String Quartet in San Diego. Her performance credits include appearances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with the Jackie Evancho Touring Orchestra, the Orchestra Collective of Orange County, and the Claremont Symphony. She also participated in the West Coast premiere of Voiceless Mass, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning work by Raven Chacon.

​

A sought-after conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Dr. Barnes regularly collaborates with youth, community, and semi-professional ensembles throughout the country. Her lifelong dedication to musical artistry and education continues to inspire and empower the next generation of

musicians.