[1] In addition to writing many of the group's songs,[2] A female bass, she conducts music workshops around the United States, UK, Canada and Australia, including a workshop she created called "Building a Vocal Community: Singing in the African American Tradition".
The daughter of a violinist, Barnwell began her 15 year study of the violin with her father at the age of 2 ½.
She also directed health programs in Washington, D.C. at Children's Hospital National Medical Center and Gallaudet University.
While attending All Souls Church, Unitarian, Dr. Barnwell noticed that the racial makeup of the choir did not reflect that of the congregation.
Her work with the Jubilee singers led her to begin arranging and composing music for vocal ensembles.