Throughout his life, R. Barry Ulrich (1940–2022) composed music with neoclassical influences. It is lyrical, harmonically rich, eclectic, and sometimes rhythmically complex.

Born in Los Angeles CA, Ulrich attended Los Angeles City College in 1958 where he studied composItion with Leonard Stein. He graduated with a B.A. in music from Long Beach State College in 1963. While there, he studied with Leon Dallin and Robert Tyndall. He is also a charter member of the Kappa Omicron chapter of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity. 

Ulrich’s post graduate studies were at Los Angeles State College in 1964 studying composition with Byong-Kon Kim. At this time, he also received his California State teaching credential. He also took master classes at UCLA in film scoring and composition with Eddie Manson and Walter Scharf.

In 1965 he taught instrumental music at Belvedere Junior High in East Los Angeles, then moved to the Montebello Unified School District in 1967, teaching at Eastmont Junior High School.

Ulrich served as band director at Montebello High School (1968–1973) with award winning jazz, concert, and marching bands. He moved to Schurr High School in 1973, building its program through similar ensembles through 1986.

Ulrich took members of the Montebello High School band and choir on a 6 week European tour in 1970 under the auspices of the Foreign Study League, teaching and conducting concerts in Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Florence, Salzburg, and Paris. During his 36-year tenure in education, he also taught physical science, swimming, computer science, and journalism.

In 1976 he joined the American Society of Music Arrangers and composed many pieces for orchestra, band, and small instrumental ensembles. Ulrich was also an active member of the National Association of Composers USA, Southern Oregon Chapter.

Ulrich passed away March 1, 2022 at his home in Jacksonville OR.

Albums

Winter’s Warmth

Release Date: April 14, 2017
Catalog Number: NV6091
21st Century
Orchestral
Orchestra
One of the central tenets of Albert Camus’ philosophy is the indomitability of the human spirit, a subject on which he famously mused that “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” This quote encapsulates the theme of WINTER’S WARMTH, Navona’s latest orchestral compilation featuring works from John A. Carollo, J.A. Kawarsky, Andrew Schultz, and R. Barry Ulrich. These composers present conceptual pieces that all act as soundtracks to our resiliency during the toughest moments of the human experience.