Barbara York Canadian-born American composer and lyricist. Was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 23, 1949, and passed away on November 6, 2020, at her home in Pittsburgh, Kansas. She was born to Howard and Edith (Pitbullado) Spencer, and she has two older sisters, Eleanor and Judith.
Barbara's music career began at the age of 4.5 and began composing at the age of 7. Barbara played the cello from 6th grade through high school, performing in school hobby competitions. Barbara began her studies at McGill University at the age of 16 and received her Bachelor of Music degree from the school at the age of 20.
After graduating, Barbara taught briefly at the Manitoba Theatre School before moving to Toronto, where she began a decade-long career in theatre. Shortly after leaving the theatre, Barbara turned to the piano. In addition to piano, she worked in church, taught music in elementary schools, and began accompanying school choirs. As a result, she was asked to accompany Michael Fischer, a tuba player who performed at Pittsburg State University (KS). She was pleased with the tuba solo and Fischer's playing and asked if she could write something for him. He agreed, and "Sea Dreams" was born. Fischer commissioned three more works from York: "Aria of Glory", "Directions" and "Concerto for Tuba". This launched her career as a composer for tuba and euphonium.After retirement, Barbara spent her last decade in Pittsburgh, Kansas, accompanying at Pittsburg State University, playing at ITEC and regional conferences, composing music, and enjoying life with her husband Joe, children, and grandchildren. In 2017, Barbara officially became a U.S. citizen.
In May 2021, at the Virtual Tuba Euphonium Conference (VTEC), Barbara was posthumously awarded the International Tuba Euphonium Society's Lifetime Achievement Award.
"How Beautiful" - Barbara York Memorial Concert. July 10, 2021. Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on the campus of Pittsburg State University. Link provide below.
