Mrs. Barnhardt assumed the position of Music Director for the CSO Gospel Choir in July 2008.
The daughter of an African-American Episcopal Minister, Mrs. Barnhardt is focused on preserving the cultural legacy and authenticity of African-American spirituals and gospel music.
Teaching music has always been Mrs. Barnhardt's passion. She served as Director of Vocal Music for the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts, East Orange, NJ, as well as Program Director of the After School Center for Performing Arts Program at South Orange Middle School, NJ.
Mrs. Barnhardt also served as the Coordinator of Music and the Music Specialist (K-8) for the School District of South Orange-Maplewood, NJ. In addition, she held the position of Organist-Director and Minister of Music for the St. Matthew AME Church of Orange, NJ.
Mrs. Barnhardt earned a MA in Music Education from Montclair State College, NJ, and a BFA in Voice from Stephens College, Columbia, MO. She has won numerous choral awards and holds membership in the American Choral Directors Association.
Currently, Mrs. Barnhardt is Assistant Minister of Music for the historic Ebenezer AME Church in Charleston, SC. She resides in Adams Run, SC.
