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Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
At the center of Dr. Barnes's teaching philosophy is a belief that every student has the capacity to grow, succeed, and contribute in meaningful ways. She works to create learning environments where students feel seen, heard, challenged, and supported, recognizing that people often accomplish far more than they initially believe possible when guided by caring mentors. Her classrooms and ensembles are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Dr. Barnes views music as a vehicle for both artistic and personal growth. Through participation in ensembles, students learn far more than notes and rhythms; they develop leadership, resilience, communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work toward a common goal. She is passionate about helping students discover their unique strengths while fostering a lifelong appreciation for learning, service, and the transformative power of music.
W. A. Carter High School
Since 2004, Dr. Susan Barnes has directed the choir and orchestra programs at Wilmer Amina Carter High School in Rialto, California. She is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire artistic growth, leadership, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Through performance, mentorship, and community engagement, students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed both as musicians and as contributing members of society. Her ensembles regularly participate in festivals, community performances, and enrichment opportunities throughout Southern California, consistently earning superior ratings.
CHS String Orchestra - Deep Sea Fandango
by Deborah Baker Monday
One last rehearsal with the Carter High School Choir before performing for the 2025 commencement ceremony.
During a Southern California performance tour, Dr. Barnes connected her students with Professor Lori Marie Rios at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, providing a collaborative educational experience that introduced students to collegiate-level music study and performance opportunities (April 2025).
Performance Tours
And we're off!
Visiting Balboa Park - San Diego
Carter High School String Orchestra - California Center for the Arts
Annual performance tours provide Carter High School music students with opportunities to perform, learn, and experience music beyond the classroom. During a tour to San Diego, members of the String Orchestra attended a performance by the Queen's Cartoonists, a New York-based ensemble known for performing live soundtracks to classic cartoons and film. https://www.thequeenscartoonists.com/
Taking some time to rehearse on Shelter Island before our dinner cruise around the bay.
Visiting Point Loma Nazarene University
Working with Dr. Mansfield, music professor from PLNU
Dr. Barnes did not let the pandemic stop her from teaching and facilitating music performance. She and her students produced and full-length virtual spring program. Each student learned their part with the help of practice videos and recordings. They recorded themselves playing their part in their respective homes and Dr. Barnes compiled the videos to create an ensemble effect. It was a diligent collaborative effort for which Dr. Barnes and her Carter High School students from 2020 - 2021 are incredibly proud.
Choir Festival, University of Redlands November 2021
Virtual Spring Music Program May 2021
Benjamin F. Kolb Middle School Band, Choir, and Orchestra
From 1996 to 2004, Dr. Barnes directed the instrumental and choral music programs at Benjamin F. Kolb Middle School in Rialto, California. She led an award-winning marching band and color guard program while providing students with opportunities to perform, compete, develop leadership skills, and experience the transformative power of music.
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