Barbara Rhyneer

Dr. Barbara Rhyneer, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, began her affinity for the violin in the Anchorage Youth Symphony and her passion for folk fiddling on the shores of Kachemak Bay. After earning her Bachelor’s in Music from Loyola Marymount, a Master’s from Bowling Green, and her Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting and Violin Performance from Ball State, she made her way to Marquette, Michigan. She’s been part of Northern Michigan University’s music faculty since 1997, where she directs the NMU Symphony Orchestra, leads chamber ensembles, and teaches everything from string pedagogy to orchestration.

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When she’s not teaching at NMU, Barbara’s either performing with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, or the Superior Alliance Chamber Players. She also has had a hand in directing of the Upper Peninsula Youth Orchestra, the Eastern Central Indiana Youth Orchestra, and the Wisconsin State Honors Orchestra.

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In addition to the violin/fiddle, Barbara has a passion for theatre and composition. She was awarded the Marquette Area Theatre award for her role as Rosie in the 2019 Forest Robert’s Theatre production of Mamma Mia! and in 2021 she co-composed the music for their premiere of Above the Timberline by Gregory Manchess.

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More detailed information can be found at Barb's website: https://www.upperpeninsulaviolinstudio.com/about