The C.L. Barnhouse Company was founded in 1886 by Charles Lloyd Barnhouse in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and is today one of the most renowned music publishers of wind band literature in the world. The publishing house focuses on sophisticated works for concert bands, marching bands and ensembles of all levels. Over the years, Barnhouse has made a name for itself not only through innovative compositions, but also through the promotion of young composers.
Women in composition: a strong presence
Barnhouse is particularly proud of the increased involvement of women in wind orchestra composition in recent years. The current 2025 catalog includes works by outstanding female artists such as Lisa Galvin, Katheryn Fenske and Valerie Shanley take center stage. These composers impress with original ideas, colorful instrumentation and a fresh approach that inspires both conductors and musicians.
Lisa Galvin brings with her work “Call Of The Prairie” a homage to the vast landscapes of America into the programs.
Katheryn Fenske has with “A Noble Journey“, a modern work that brings the cosmos to life in an impressive musical language.
Valerie Shanley enriches the catalogue with “Gondola, Gondola“, a light work that brings Italian flair to the selection.
Cooperation with Claude Smith Publications Inc.
Another highlight is the collaboration with Claude Smith Publications Inc.a publisher known for its pioneering arrangements and original compositions for wind band. Barnhouse will take over the distribution of Smith’s works in 2024, ensuring a wider reach for this legacy. Classics by Claude T. Smith and new arrangements will reach musicians around the world through Barnhouse’s global distribution network.
Focus on young musicians: expenses for Young Band
A central component of the 2025 catalogue are the numerous editions for Young Bandwhich have been specially designed for young ensembles. These works combine pedagogical standards with musical quality and offer young musicians the opportunity to develop their technical and stylistic skills.
Further highlights and variety
In addition, the 2025 catalogue offers an impressive range of musical genres and styles, including marches, symphonic poems, jazz arrangements and light music. New collaborations with international composers are also particularly noteworthy, enriching the catalogue with global perspectives.
With a wide range of sophisticated literatureover works for the intermediate up to beginner-friendly works Barnhouse Verlag 2025 is once again setting standards in the world of wind band literature. The promotion of female composers, the cooperation with renowned partners such as Claude Smith Publications and the commitment to young musicians underline the publisher’s claim to harmonize tradition and innovation.
