By Genny Boots ‘18 and Kate Williams ‘16
Barry Johnson is not your typical new faculty hire. He has been a contingent faculty member at PLU since 1989. He will continue on at PLU working as a low voice instructor, but instead, on the tenure track.
What is your background?
I was born and raised in Douglas, Arizona on the Mexican border, the youngest of five children. I played baseball, acted in plays, and played trombone in the band. I didn’t sing in a choir until my junior year in high school and got a wonderful opportunity my senior year when I sang at a solo/ensemble contest in Tucson. My adjudicator was Eugene Conley, revered baritone and accomplished voice teacher at the University of Arizona. That chance meeting that day led to enrolling in the U of A to study with Mr. Conley on a full scholarship- an opportunity I never imagined possible. I had never seen an opera until I was in one my freshman year. I took my music classes, but also many dance and acting classes too as I was a music theater major for a time. I ended up getting my degree in Music Education and taught high school and junior high for a year before starting a graduate program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I started teaching on the voice faculty at PLU as an adjunct lecturer in 1989, immediately after finishing my Masters in Music at CU. I also taught voice lessons and began directing the Opera Workshop in 1994, which I directed for the next ten years. I auditioned for regional opera companies and orchestras and had success in over 25 roles for Seattle Opera and nearly as many for Tacoma Opera. Through these experiences working with world renowned singers, directors, and conductors, I began focusing on what made these people successful. Some common themes I began noticing were things like preparation, organization, punctuality, and treating people with respect. I have fashioned my teaching, singing, and directing after these principles and have formed the person I am today. I look forward to sharing what I have to offer with my current and future PLU students.
Upcoming events/performances?
In February, I’m singing a Vaughan Williams’ Five Tudor Portraits with Orchestra Seattle, and in April, I’m directing the Opera Workshop in a scenes production. Also in April, I’m directing The Merry Widow for Tacoma Opera, and in May, I’m singing the role of the Speaker in The Magic Flute with Vashon Opera.
What made you choose PLU?
PLU is a special place with a faculty that truly cares about students, and students who constantly impress me with their dedication and desire to succeed. I also love the growth that I see in students throughout their PLU careers.
Any fun facts about you?
I love to go crabbing with my family.