Dr. Wendy Barden Named Director of Professional Development and Resources

April 21, 2022

Perpich Center for Arts Education is happy to announce that a staff member will be taking on a new role. Dr. Wendy Barden was hired as our PDR Director in the Professional Development and Resource Programs department. Wendy’s start date is Wednesday, 4/27/22. Wendy has most recently served as Education Specialist in Music. She has been at Perpich since 2018.

“More than ever, we all need what the arts bring into our lives—a way of making meaning; a way of connecting and communicating with others; a way of understanding our past and present; a way of making the future,” said Barden. “I am very proud of all the PDR team does to support dance, media, music, theater, and visual arts education in Minnesota, and honored to lead that work forward. The PDR team is an invaluable resource for educators and administrators.”

Dr. Charles Rick, Perpich’s Executive Director, said, “We are excited to have Wendy Barden as the new PDR Director. Wendy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. Along with her efficacious enthusiasm, Wendy has high expectations on what can be accomplished in supporting arts education, arts educators, and school districts across the state.”

Barden is retired from Osseo Area School District ISD 279. She began her career teaching instrumental and general music, and served 21 years as K-12 Music Coordinator in the district. Wendy has been honored as a Yamaha National Mentor Teacher, the 1992 Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Band Educator of the Year, and 2013 Yale Distinguished Music Educator. In 2014, Barden was inducted into the MMEA Hall of Fame. She is an active author, with many student and teacher resources published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company.

Barden holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in music education from the University of Minnesota. Her Ph.D., also from the University of Minnesota, is in music with emphasis in music education and musicology. She is particularly passionate about standards, assessment, and student engagement.

Wendy and her husband are proud parents of two grown sons.

Congratulations, Wendy!