Barnhouse Company, one of the oldest and continuously operating band-focused music publishing companies. Charles Lloyd “Charlie” Barnhouse, a self-taught cornet player, conductor, and composer, left his West Virginia home to find out what life would bring him through his musical talents. His travels brought him to southeast Iowa, where he assumed leadership positions with the town bands of Mt. Ple
asant and Burlington, respectively; and starting his publishing enterprise in 1886 with catalog #1, “The Battle of Shiloh” March. In December of 1890, he settled permanently in Oskaloosa, as conductor of the Knights of Pythias band. Barnhouse Company to a position of prominence in the band world. During his career, Barnhouse developed his catalog to appeal to bands of lesser experience levels, as well as the more experienced professional and circus bands. His adopted home of Oskaloosa mourned his passing on November 18, 1929, as the town lost a beloved citizen and community leader. C.L. “Lloyd” Barnhouse Jr. took control following his father’s death, and lead the company into a new era of music. The school band movement was just in its infancy, and Lloyd introduced the first publications designed specifically for school bands. Also, during the World War II era, the C. Barnhouse Co. became a major supplier of music for military bands. In 1957, Lloyd Barnhouse turned over management of the company to his sons, Charles L. “Chuck” Barnhouse III and Robert Barnhouse, Sr. Lloyd served as an advisor to his sons until his passing in 1967. During Chuck and Bob’s leadership, the company introduced new product lines, including the jazz catalogue, marching band publications, and several texts and method books which have become standard. Music by a new generation of composers: Alfred Reed, James Swearingen, David Shaffer, Ed Huckeby, and Steven Reineke became hallmarks of the present-day Barnhouse catalogue. Additionally, advertising efforts have expanded through the pioneering use of recordings. Bob retired in 1992, but Chuck continues to serve the company as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors in his retirement. In 1987, Andy Clark joined the C. Barnhouse Co., bringing his very successful Norman Lee Publishing catalog with him. A veteran composer/arranger/publisher whose experience spans nearly 4 decades, Andy serves as Chief Executive Officer of the C. Barnhouse Co., and among other responsibilities, is actively involved in editorial matters. In 1998 Andrew Glover joined the company, and as Chief Operating Officer, manages many of the business functions and supervises music production, while also serving with Andy Clark on the editorial committee. Both Andys bring an eclectic mix of skills and experiences in music education, performance, publishing, and composition and arranging. In December of 2006, veteran composer Robert W. Smith was appointed Director of Product Development, preparing the company for a bright future in the ever-changing world of bands.
