Technical Sgt. Emily Barnes is a violinist with the Air Force Strings, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, her career in the Air Force began in 2001. Barnes currently serves on the Air Force Strings operations team.
A 2001 graduate of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Barnes earned a Bachelor of Music degree and made the Dean's List for four semesters. She played with the Youngstown Symphony for four years, and performed extensively in the Cleveland area as a soloist. Barnes has also performed with the National Gallery Orchestra and the Alexandria Symphony.
Barnes attended the Interlochen Arts Festival and the Encore School for Strings. Her former teachers include Kathryn Merrill, Michelle Wilkinson and Linda Cerone.
Highlights from Barnes's Air Force career include the 56th Presidential Inaugural concert on the National Mall, as well as a special performance at the Vice President's Residence in 2010.