206-383-1147
barbhuntercello@gmail.com
Teaches: Cello, String Ensembles

Barb Hunter is a cellist and cello teacher with over 40 years of playing experience in both classical and rock/folk/pop settings. She began her cello studies in Cincinnati, Ohio with Cincinnati Symphony Assistant Principal cellist Geraldine Sutyak, participating in the Cincinnati Youth Symphony and Interlochen Arts Camp’s World Youth Symphony in her high school years. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied with baroque specialist Brent Wissick and served as Principal Cellist in the University Orchestra and New Music Ensemble, then went on to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with LaSalle Quartet cellist Lee Fiser.

After college she enjoyed playing the electric cello in rock bands and had the opportunity to play concerts across the United States and Europe, in a wide range of venues, from small bars to Madison Square Garden. After embarking on a career as a computer programmer, she moved to Seattle and continued to play in rock bands while also returning to classical music, joining the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra and eventually serving as the Principal Cellist from 2015-2018.

She resides in Sedro-Woolley and is currently a member of the Skagit Symphony and the Cincinnatus Duo, a collaboration with Skagit Symphony’s Music Director, violinist Michael Wheatley.

Barb teaches private cello lessons, leads the Skagit Youth String Ensembles, and directs the AMP Strings Camp.