By Patricia Schallert –
Meet the remarkable Barbara Reed, a 94-year-old musical force who has devoted her life to creating and sharing beautiful music.
Born on Sept. 20, 1930, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Barbara was raised by a father who worked as a naval architect at the Norfolk Naval Base. She honed her musical skills at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education, and continued her studies at the Garden Court Conservatory.
A gifted musician, vocalist, arranger, and composer, Barbara’s passion for music has touched countless lives. While in Kentucky, she met a Marine—a romantic cowboy from Wyoming—on a blind date. She called him “Cowboy Joe.” From the rolling hills of Wyoming to the golden shores of California, they embarked on a lifelong journey together. He was her rock, her knight in shining armor. Two years after moving to California, they married and later welcomed two sons, John and Jeff.
Barbara began her teaching career with the Alhambra School District after earning her master’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles. She taught choral and instrumental music to middle school students, igniting a love of music in the next generation.
In 1993, as school districts across California faced the elimination of music and art programs, Barbara sprang into action. She organized fellow educators and concerned parents to create a pamphlet titled 20 Steps to Save Music and Art. This grassroots campaign raised awareness, lobbied policymakers, and mobilized community support. Her efforts were instrumental in restoring music and art programs in her district just two months later—an accomplishment she remains deeply proud of.
That same year, Barbara was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Music Education National Conference (MENC) and was invited to receive her award in San Francisco, where she also presented several papers. She retired from teaching in 1994.
Even in retirement, Barbara’s passion never slowed. After moving to Oxnard, she founded and directed the Ventura Choraliers, a community choir that continues to perform a diverse mix of classical, pop, and Broadway music. She later joined the “Palace Players” under director Jim Strickland, performing with her signature “Betty Boop” vocal style, and played piano for “The Untouchables,” led by Randy Siple, for seven years.
Today, Barbara continues to make music as part of the “Seabreeze Duo” with fellow retired teacher Gary Engels—her “Benny Goodman.” Together, they entertain at retirement communities throughout Ventura County. She has also composed a collection of spiritual songs for local churches and plays weekly in a Christian orchestra.
Barbara shares “old-time” music every Wednesday morning at the Ventura Townhouse Retirement Home, inviting residents to sing along and relive cherished memories through song.
A woman of deep faith and enduring friendships, Barbara draws strength from music, her community, and her belief in service. As she approaches her 95th birthday on Sept. 20, her wish is to reunite with the Ventura Choraliers, whose shared love of music continues to inspire her.
When asked what advice she would give to young people today, she said simply: “Keep your faith, explore your love for music, and attend church.”
To learn more or to book the Seabreeze Jazz/Combo for performances, Barbara can be reached at 805-901-6554.
