Ronald Barnes | |
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| Born | Ronald Montague Barnes June 11, 1927 |
| Died | November 3, 1997 (aged 70) San Francisco, California, US |
| Education | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1946–1995 |
Ronald Montague Barnes (June 11, 1927 – November 3, 1997) was an American carillonist, composer, and musicologist. He first began playing the carillon as a teenager at his hometown's church. In 1952, at 24 years old, he was appointed to play the carillon at the University of Kansas, where he developed as a musician. He was later the carillonist for the Washington National Cathedral from 1963 to 1975 and the University of California, Berkeley, from 1982 until his retirement in 1995. He was an involved member of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, having served as its president, vice president, and several other roles.
Barnes produced 56 original compositions and hundreds of arrangements. He was a major force in establishing an American approach to writing music. He also influenced how people play the carillon. Much of his music is considered the standard repertoire for carillon students and professionals. He published editions of early carillon manuscripts and sought to develop standards for carillon performance, repertoire, and design and construction.
The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America maintains a memorial scholarship fund in his name to advance research of the carillon in North America.