Mrs. Barnes is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Gadsden State Community College where she earned an Associate in Arts degree. While at GSCC, she studied theory under Mr. George McSpadden and music education under Mr. Rip Reagan, who is a member of the Alabama Music Educators Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Barnes was privileged to perform with the Gadsden State Show Band, sing in the A Capella Choir, was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and won the title as Miss Gadsden State 2009 – 2010. She also competed in and was a scholarship recipient of the Miss Alabama Pageant.

Mrs. Barnes graduated Summa Cum Laude with Special Honors from Jacksonville State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. While at JSU, she studied piano under Dr. Gail Steward and conducting under Dr. Ken Bodiford. Mrs. Barnes was privileged to perform with many ensembles at JSU, including playing flute in the Symphonic Band, piccolo for the JSU Marching Southerners, keyboard and synthesizer for the Opera Theatre, and Principal Pianist for the Chamber Winds Ensemble. She was also a two-time recipient of the JSU Legacy Scholarship and recipient of the 2011 – 2012 Outstanding Instrumental Music Education Award.

Mrs. Barnes graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University and holds a masters degree in band conducting.

Through the American Band College of Ashland, Oregon, Mrs. Barnes was able to perform under the direction of Frank Ticheli and Johan de Meij. She also had the privilege to study conducting with Anthony Maiello and perform with the infamous Doc Severinsen.

Mrs. Barnes enjoyed returning the love of music to her high school alma mater for ten years. As director of the Alexandria High School “Sound of the Valley” marching and concert bands, her bands received consistent Superior ratings at marching festivals and State Music Performance Assessment. Members of the Sound of the Valley Marching Band performed with the Calhoun County All-Star Band in the 2018 Magnificent Mile of Lights Festival Parade in Chicago, IL and were selected to perform in the the 2020 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Barnes is currently in her fifth year of teaching at Westbrook Christian School where she re-started the school’s performing arts program. Under her leadership, the “Sound of Warriors” began in 2023 and has rapidly developed into the program that it is today. The Marching Drumline consists of a large front ensemble section, full battery line, color guard, and a combined dance/majorette line.

Mrs. Barnes is a proud member of the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Alabama Conference of Educators, and the Etowah County Band Directors Association.

She and her husband reside in Jacksonville, AL where their spare time is spent loving on their son Daniel, and maintaining their farm.

Contact Mrs. Barnes via email:
abarnes@westbrookchristian.org

The Sound of Warriors Marching Drumline is led by Mrs. Anna Barnes and is assisted by David Adam Divine.

The drumline brings energy, precision, and excitement to every performance. Comprised of both battery percussion and front ensemble members, the drumline serves as the foundation of the Westbrook Christian School Band Program.

Battery members take the field with snare drums, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals, combining musicianship with movement and visual performance. The front ensemble adds another layer of sound through mallet percussion, auxiliary percussion, bass guitar, and electronic synthesizers.

Together, these musicians work as one ensemble developing discipline, teamwork, confidence, and musical excellence while bringing the unmistakable sound and spirit of the Sound of Warriors to the field.

Our WCS Color Guard is led by Mrs. Kimberly Beck. 

The Sound of Warriors Color Guard brings color, movement, and visual artistry to the field, adding another dimension to each marching band performance. Through a combination of flag work, choreography, dance, and equipment technique, guard members help bring the music and story of each production to life.

More than just a visual ensemble, Color Guard challenges students to develop confidence, coordination, discipline, teamwork, and performance skills. From Friday night lights to special performances, these students are an essential part of the Sound of Warriors, representing Westbrook Christian School with energy, excellence, and Warrior spirit.

The Cabaret line is led by Mrs. Christina Burgess.

The Sound of Warriors Cabaret is a dynamic performance line combining the traditions of majorette and dance into one exciting visual ensemble. Through baton twirling, choreography, dance, and showmanship, Cabaret members bring energy, style, and personality to every performance.

As an integral part of the Sound of Warriors, Cabaret members develop confidence, coordination, discipline, teamwork, and performance skills while entertaining audiences under the Friday night lights and at special events throughout the year. Blending athleticism with artistry, the Cabaret helps bring each production to life while proudly representing Westbrook Christian School with excellence and Warrior spirit.