Staff Profile

Jeremy Barnes has been teaching instrumental music at Humboldt High School since 2019 and is proud to be part of a vibrant, diverse school community. Prior to moving to Minnesota, he spent 12 years as Director of Instrumental Music at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Connecticut. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in Education from Concordia University, St. Paul.

 

With over 25 years of experience as both a performer and educator, Mr. Barnes has worked in a wide range of musical settings—from symphony orchestras and jazz ensembles to theater productions, wedding bands, and even the occasional salsa group. Early in his career, he performed professionally at Walt Disney World and was a member of the Disney College Band program from 2002–2005, later continuing as a seasonal professional musician from 2006–2007. His performance career has also included collaborations with artists such as Sam Rivers, Buddy Morrow, The Four Tops, Gloria Estefan, Eartha Kitt, and Deborah Gibson, along with performances at venues like Walt Disney World, EPCOT, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure.

 

While those experiences have shaped him as a musician, his greatest passion is teaching. Mr. Barnes believes that music is more than performance—it is a powerful way for students to build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a sense of belonging. He is committed to creating a classroom where every student feels supported, challenged, and valued, whether they are just beginning or pushing themselves to an advanced level.

 

Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes has taught a wide variety of courses, including Band, Jazz Band, Honors Band, Intermediate Band, AP Music Theory, Music Technology, Recording Arts, Music Appreciation, Video Game Music, Beginning and Intermediate Strings, and Beginning Guitar. He also directed marching band in Connecticut and has served as an adjunct instructor in the Orlando area. This breadth of experience allows him to connect with students across many different musical interests and pathways.

 

Mr. Barnes has also been actively involved in regional and state music education initiatives. He served on faculty for the Yale–Morse Summer Music Academy in 2008 and later conducted for the Yale–Morse Music in Schools initiative from 2014–2016. From 2018–2019, he served as Co-Chair for High School Band with the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) and was nominated for CMEA Music Teacher of the Year. He was also recognized as a JC Music Educator of the Year in 2011. In addition, he has worked with honors ensembles, summer music programs, and state music organizations, and has written and arranged music for student groups.

 

Still, some of the most meaningful moments happen in the everyday work—when something finally “clicks,” when a group locks in together, or when a student realizes they are capable of more than they thought.

 

At Humboldt, Mr. Barnes is dedicated to building a program where students take pride in what they do, support one another, and experience the kind of growth that extends far beyond the music room.

 

Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games (especially ones with great soundtracks), being outdoors, and going to the movies.

 

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” – Victor Hugo