Barbara graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Clarinet Performance, and is currently the principal clarinetist with the Symphony of the Kootenays. Her versatile music career also includes performing on saxophone and flute in a wide variety of groups from swing music to rock and roll. She performs in a number of ensembles, including the Southern Stardust Big Band and The Calgary Wind Trio.

Raised in Calgary, Barbara gained experience as an international musician when she won a scholarship early in her career to attend the Salzburg Mozarteum in Austria. She has studied under numerous teachers including Richard Waller, principal clarinetist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra until 1995 and faculty member of the Aspen Music Festival, and Steve Amsel, principal clarinetist of the Calgary Philharmonic.

Barbara has taught privately and as a school woodwind clinician for over 25 years, and also enjoys repairing musical instruments as a hobby.