Focal Point

Steve Barnard

Steve began his musical career playing viola in the elementary school orchestra.

Around 7^th grade a good friend, David, who played drums wanted to form a rock and roll band. They lacked a keyboard player which was essential for a lot of the popular music at the time (Little Feat, Dead, Allman Bros, Styx & the Doors, etc.). So he dropped the bow and headed off to piano lessons. By high school he was playing in the school Stage Band and Jazz ensemble. “It’s funny, that little guitarist from our first rock and roll band and the school stage band, Keith Howland, is now the lead player for Chicago”. Thank you Mrs. Monroe!

Steve also played with several other bands prior to Focal Point. These included Euphoria, Flight, Wild Oats, and The Sonny Jr. Blues Band. These were mostly rock bands, but there has been plenty of country and blues mixed in.

During a brief hiatus he met Mike and began jamming with Will and Eddie. This evolved into Focal Point.

“I love vintage keys such as Rhodes, Wurly and B3 organ. I currently use a Kurzweil PC2X and Roland VR-760 to capture these sounds while keeping it portable”.  

Other interests included kayaking and outdoor activities. Many original songs have been inspired by these trips including one where we almost lost most of the band just prior to playing the Gauley River Festival. “I’ll never forget the quote from our bass player at the time, Tommy”. He said, “I will never get involved with another sport that requires a helmet”. He is now a Harley Rider. --Life goes on.