Barry Ward holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music degree in Woodwind Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Arts degree in Musicology from The Catholic University of America.

Mr. Ward has taught instrumental music in the Diocese of Arlington Schools through the Garwood Whaley Music Program, Inc., since 1980. His schools include All Saints, St. Leo's, St. Thomas More, and St. Bernadette's. Mr. Ward's bands have attended over 70 music festivals at King's Dominion, Busch Gardens, Great Adventure (NJ), Hershey Park, and Dorney Park (PA) through the "Music in the Parks" program. Over a 20-year period, his bands have been awarded "superior" and "excellent" ratings and have received "Grand Champion" status on eight occasions.

Mr. Ward has continued to perform professionally and has been a member of the Arlington Symphony for the last 15 years. In addition to the Symphony's regular season, he has performed with them in New York City as well as at Washington's Kennedy Center. He teaches at the Mid-Atlantic Summer Band Camp and has served as adjudicator and guest conductor of All-District Band events. Mr. Ward is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and maintains an active private teaching studio in his home. In 1997, he founded B.W. Publishing and has produced over 20 works for young bands.