Matt Barnes joined the Union Bands team in July 2023. For ten years previous Mr. Barnes held the position of head band director at Morris High School in Oklahoma. His ensembles at Morris received numerous OSSAA awards, and the marching band was crowned the 2013 OBA Grand Champion, among other significant accolades. 

Since graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2013, Mr. Barnes has been actively involved in arts education in Oklahoma. He is a clarinetist and bass clarinetist primarily, but has experience performing on saxophone, brass instruments of all kinds, and bass guitar. He also enjoys music theory and composition. Mr. Barnes marched with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011 playing euphonium. He designs for guards, marching bands, and indoor drumline ensembles. Mr. Barnes has played an important role in the visual program at Resistance Indoor Percussion for a decade, where he coordinates staff and teaches visual technique & performance.

When he isn't teaching, Mr. Barnes loves tall cups of fancy coffee with nothing added and exploring the natural beauty the world has to offer. Overall, he believes the musical arts have incredible power to communicate in ways beyond words, and arts education has the potential to transform lives. He is excited to bring his skills and ideals to Union Public Schools.