Meet Marilyn and Claudia
From early childhood, sisters Marilyn and Claudia Barber have shared a lifelong passion for music, learning, and service. Raised in Baltimore, their musical journey began with piano lessons and performances in church choirs, where Marilyn played for the Children’s Choir at Refuge Way of the Cross Church and later directed the Youth Choir, while Claudia studied under music teacher Norma Robinson and went on to earn the “Best Poetic Pianist” Award at Peabody Preparatory Institute of Music. Together, they often performed as the Barber Sisters Duet at area churches, blending harmonies that reflected their deep family and spiritual roots.
Together, Marilyn and Claudia represent the power of faith, education, and perseverance. Their journeys—rooted in music and elevated by service—embody the belief that creativity, compassion, and courage can make a lasting impact across communities and generations.
Judge Claudia Barber
Judge Claudia Barber’s distinguished career bridges the worlds of music, law, and media. A Baltimore native and 1976 graduate of Peabody Preparatory Institute of Music, she began her musical studies at five years old under the guidance of Mrs. Norma Robinson and went on to earn the Best Poetic Pianist Award at Peabody. Her early artistic pursuits included playing the violin, singing in choirs, and performing alongside her sister as part of a family musical legacy. These formative experiences fostered her discipline, creativity, and love for expression—qualities that later shaped her work as a writer and advocate.
Beyond her musical achievements, Judge Barber has built an impactful career as a civil rights activist, attorney, author, and broadcaster. She interned at WJZ-TV during college, where she worked with Oprah Winfrey and Richard Sher, and later contributed as a writer-producer and veteran radio announcer on Baltimore stations including WMAR-FM and WBGR-AM. An award-winning jurist and public servant, she hosts the podcast Being Well Informed and authored How to Survive Protracted Civil Litigation When the Judicial System Stopped Being Fair and Impartial. Her accolades include the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award, Sojourner Truth Award, and the American Jurisprudence Award in Labor Law. A lifelong reader and listener of gospel music, Judge Barber continues to champion truth, fairness, and empowerment through her words and leadership.
Marilyn Barber’s life has been guided by a deep love for music, education, and service. A Baltimore native, she began her musical journey at seven years old as one of the Children’s Choir pianists at Refuge Way of the Cross Church, later serving as Youth Choir Directress. She also played clarinet in the Woodbourne Junior High Orchestra and sang with the Peabody Concert Choir, the National Christian Choir, and Harvard’s Kuumba Singers. Along with her sister Claudia, Marilyn performed as part of the Barber Sisters Duet, sharing their family’s musical talent at churches throughout the community.
Since 1979, Marilyn has dedicated her career to teaching and mentoring in public education systems both in the U.S. and abroad, including the Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan. She holds degrees from Goucher College (B.A.), Johns Hopkins University (M.S.), and Harvard University (M.A.), and made history as the first African American president of both the Maryland Technology for Educators Association and the State of Maryland Reading Association. Guided by her belief that “Each one, reach one, teach one. Together we can make a difference,” she continues to inspire educators and students through her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.
Marilyn Barber
Claudia Barber
Marilyn Barber
Judge Claudia Barber’s distinguished career bridges the worlds of music, law, and media. A Baltimore native and 1976 graduate of Peabody Preparatory Institute of Music, she began her musical studies at five years old under the guidance of Mrs. Norma Robinson and went on to earn the Best Poetic Pianist Award at Peabody. Her early artistic pursuits included playing the violin, singing in choirs, and performing alongside her sister as part of a family musical legacy. These formative experiences fostered her discipline, creativity, and love for expression—qualities that later shaped her work as a writer and advocate.
Beyond her musical achievements, Judge Barber has built an impactful career as a civil rights activist, attorney, author, and broadcaster. She interned at WJZ-TV during college, where she worked with Oprah Winfrey and Richard Sher, and later contributed as a writer-producer and veteran radio announcer on Baltimore stations including WMAR-FM and WBGR-AM. An award-winning jurist and public servant, she hosts the podcast Being Well Informed and authored How to Survive Protracted Civil Litigation When the Judicial System Stopped Being Fair and Impartial. Her accolades include the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award, Sojourner Truth Award, and the American Jurisprudence Award in Labor Law. A lifelong reader and listener of gospel music, Judge Barber continues to champion truth, fairness, and empowerment through her words and leadership.
Marilyn Barber’s life has been guided by a deep love for music, education, and service. A Baltimore native, she began her musical journey at seven years old as one of the Children’s Choir pianists at Refuge Way of the Cross Church, later serving as Youth Choir Directress. She also played clarinet in the Woodbourne Junior High Orchestra and sang with the Peabody Concert Choir, the National Christian Choir, and Harvard’s Kuumba Singers. Along with her sister Claudia, Marilyn performed as part of the Barber Sisters Duet, sharing their family’s musical talent at churches throughout the community.
Since 1979, Marilyn has dedicated her career to teaching and mentoring in public education systems both in the U.S. and abroad, including the Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan. She holds degrees from Goucher College (B.A.), Johns Hopkins University (M.S.), and Harvard University (M.A.), and made history as the first African American president of both the Maryland Technology for Educators Association and the State of Maryland Reading Association. Guided by her belief that “Each one, reach one, teach one. Together we can make a difference,” she continues to inspire educators and students through her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership.