Director

MR. PARRY BARCLAY 

Parry Barclay is entering his 23rd year of teaching and has been teaching at Carusi Middle School since 2000. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he studied Saxophone with professor emeritus Dr. Eugene Rousseau. Mr. Barclay also studied under David Baker and Stephen W. Pratt. While in college, Mr. Barclay was a member of the Indiana University Wind Ensemble as well as the internationally acclaimed David Baker Jazz Ensemble. 

At Carusi Middle School, Mr. Barclay conducts the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Under his direction, these groups have received the highest honors including numerous “Superior" ratings and “Best Overall Band” awards. In 2021, Carusi was one of just three schools awarded a “Superior” rating (highest rating that can be received) at the NJMEA Middle School Concert Band Convention. In 2023, the Carusi Jazz Band was awarded 2nd place at the National Jazz Festival at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA!

Mr. Barclay has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University-Camden. Mr. Barclay has been invited as a clinician by the New Jersey Music Educators Association, the Vineland Public Schools and the Cherry Hill Public Schools.  In addition to teaching, he performs as a jazz musician with numbers groups throughout the area.  Mr. Barclay’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association and the South Jersey Band Orchestra Directors Association. 

Mr. Barclay enjoys motivating young musicians to achieve the highest level of performance by sharing his passion for music with on a daily basis. He feels honored to teach such hard working students. Above all, he enjoys learning from them.