Page 37 - Joshua's Journal

T his music issue would not be complete without 40 under Forty Arts Leadership Award for the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund. the inclusion of an article on the Reid Temple Orchestra. Editorial team member Sandra Daniel sub- mitted queries to Director Randy Barnes in order to I am happily married to Dominique Barnes, a member gain insight concerning him and the Orchestra. This of the Reflections of God Dance Ministry, and also interview begins with Barnes sharing information on an Elementary teacher in Prince George’s County his background. Please read on for your enlighten- Public Schools. ment and enrichment. How did you become involved My membership began at Reid Temple in August of with the Reid Temple Orchestra? 2006. I had recently moved to Maryland to pursue my graduate degree at the University of Maryland, Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, I remember College Park and to later receive a Master of Edu- being ushered into the Ministry by Rev. Joseph Deck cation in Curriculum Instruction in 2009. Prior to after the conclusion of a new members orientation this transition, I served as a Church Music Director session as the orchestra was rehearsing. I was in accompanying, directing, and teaching both adult awe at the fact that there was a ministry within the and youth choirs in Oklahoma City, OK, where church that spoke directly to my experience as a mu- I also obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Music sician and also the need to become actively engaged Education from Oklahoma City University. in the life of the Church. And so my journey began as a trumpet player within the ministry, and later My career as a Band and Orchestra Instructor, progressed to become the Director of the Reid Temple currently in Prince George’s County Public Schools, Youth Orchestra, but even this story is a true testa- fed my desire to enrich the lives of others with the ment to the hand of God. You see it was through philosophy that music is a vehicle for achieving one’s my pursuit of my master’s degree that God began highest dreams. Those dreams for me have included opening doors for me. a two week tour to China with the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra, being named a While in graduate school, I took a course entitled Future Outstanding Elementary/Secondary K-12 Curriculum Development in Music Education. For Educator, and being honored as a recipient of the the final project we had to create a curriculum that www.reidtemple.org • 35