Barb Shinaver

is a trombonist native to the Fresno area, and is the Coordinator of Jazz Studies at CSU, Stanislaus in Turlock. There, she directs the big band, combos, various jazz courses and applied lessons, and the Stan State Jazz Festival. At San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, she serves as Associate Director of Bands, where she also teaches the Applied Trombone Studio. She additionally is an applied professor at Fresno City College, where she directs the Beginning Instrumental Ensemble and various studio lessons.

For seven years prior, she taught 5th-12th grade instrumental music in public school. In the last eight years she has also been director of the San Joaquin Valley Jazz Festival, and has formed a non-profit organization to promote jazz education and performance opportunities throughout the San Joaquin Valley. 

An active performer, Barb is Principal Trombonist of the Sequoia Symphony in Visalia and appears with ensembles throughout the Central Valley.  Deeply committed to music education and advocacy, she serves as Assistant Coordinator of the California All-State Music Education Conference and is President-Elect of the California Alliance for Jazz. Barb holds a B.A. in Music Education from Fresno State and an M.M. in Trombone Performance from the University of Montana. She remains passionately dedicated to excellence in classical and jazz performance, mentorship, and community engagement.