Barbara Manson’s musical career has included work as a choral conductor, music educator, singer,
and cellist. She holds the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Texas,
Austin, and is a certified Kodály Music Educator. With extensive study of Gregorian chant and
semiology, she directed the choir for the traditional Latin Mass at Saint Mary Cathedral, Austin, TX
for 10 years, during which time she facilitated the establishment of a number of similar scholas in
the region.
She was an adjunct professor of music at Concordia University, Austin, and Director of Austin
Children’s Choir; taught elementary school music and children’s choir in Austin ISD as well as the
European School of Munich, Germany; studied cello and performed chamber music in Strasbourg
(France), Chicago, and New Orleans. In Austin, she was a long-time member of Chorus Austin,
Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the Compline Choir of St. David’s Episcopal Church, performing
and touring with an extensive repertoire of a-cappella as well as major choral works.
Since 2018 she lives in Durham, NC, caring for her grandson and disabled brother, while
continuing to enjoy singing and sharing her knowledge of Gregorian chant and sacred choral music
in her parish—and playing the cello. Barbara is a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church,
Greensboro, where she sings in and occasionally directs the choir for the weekly Tridentine Mass
and leads Benedictine Vespers.