The lights dim, leaving only a spotlight on the stage. A room-silencing stroke of the guitar captivates the audience. Her rich, achingly beautiful voice wraps around the audience’s senses like silk as she weaves together a mesmerizing melody. With each note, she makes the stage her own, enthralling the audience with a bold performance they will never forget.
Bella Barrett, ‘26, began singing in the Fresno Christian choir program in kindergarten, laying the foundation for a musical journey that inspires all. Since then, her passion for performing has progressed and developed to include a multitude of other programs, including the FC and Peoples Church worship teams, Women’s Ensemble, FC Band, FC Concert and Chamber Choir and various other singing opportunities.
Not long after her introduction to vocal music, Barrett joined the band in the first grade, under the guidance of Band Director Lesley Bannister, who would bring percussion instruments into the classroom for the students to play. In fifth grade, students were allowed to pick their instruments; Barrett chose the alto saxophone.
The alto and tenor saxophones have been Barrett’s main instruments in band class for six years, while she has pursued piano and ukulele recreationally since she was seven. Her other instruments include: the kalimba, the French horn, the acoustic and electric guitar, the bass guitar and several percussion instruments.
A Fresno Christian tradition, Barrett sings every year at the Annual Valentine’s Day Concert. The students enjoy the opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication they put in throughout the year as they add some personal style. As her vocals matured, Barrett developed her own musical style and sang “Broken Like Me” at the ‘25 Annual Valentine’s Day Concert.
“I like jazz music, and Mrs. Ainley says that that seems to suit my voice very well, so I was looking through pieces to see what would suit me and what I knew,” Barrett said. “It was just really fun that she let me be a part of that.”
Throughout high school, Barrett has participated in choir and the Women’s Ensemble under the guidance of Director of Choral Music and Dramatic Arts Susan Ainley, laying the foundation for a strong relationship between them. Ainley, as a mentor to Barrett, has seen much growth in her as a person and in her musical capabilities.
“I think the top moment for me was her Valentine’s Day concert,” Ainley said. “She really went beyond herself in that performance, and it was a moment where we could see her musical future right in front of us. So powerful and vulnerable, it left the audience speechless.”
In Spring 2025, Ainley asked Barrett to try out for the school play, earning her the role of Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music.
“Bella is the whole package, musically,” Ainley said. “There are so many moments where she rose to the challenge this year: solo work for the 9/11 performance, being the Mother Abbess for The Sound of Music and learning multiple parts in chamber choir to assist her classmates.”
Music has always been a big part of Barrett’s life; it has helped her through the hard times and contributed to a joyful environment for the good ones. Her hope is to one day know how to play at least a bit of every instrument. Her inspiration comes from her mother, Deborah Barrett, who immersed her in the musical world from a young age.
“My mom is always singing, always playing music at home,” Barrett said. “We listen to every genre, and she was my inspiration because she used to lead the worship team at a different church before Peoples Church. She was one of the worship pastors there.”
Amid a crowded schedule, Barrett turns to gardening to as a peaceful escape. The quiet tasks and steady growth of her flowers and plants offer her a moment of calm to take in the fresh air, tending to a hobby that is only hers.
Raised in a Christian home, Barrett officially gave her life to the Lord at four years old and was baptized at The Altar Church when she was seven. When she hits a hard time in her life, she turns to the Lord. Her mom, as well as her experience at Fresno Christian, has nurtured and encouraged her faith.
Peoples Church pastor Marcus Marshall believes that Barrett plays a key role in The Chase, the youth group at Peoples Church, by creating an inclusive environment.
“One of my favorite things about Bella is that she leads with her heart,” Marshall said. “I have found that talent it common, but it’s rare to find someone who puts their whole heart into everything they do.”
Barrett serves on the worship teams at Fresno Christian and Peoples Church, furthering her walk in her faith by contributing to student chapels and leading her peers. Her youth group leader Macie Marshall has seen the impact Barrett has had on her fellow students at The Chase as she offers encouragement and welcoming smiles to everyone.
“Watching Bella grow throughout the years and pursue the gifts and talents that God has given her has been such a joy,” Marshall said. “She has a strong love for the Lord and I know that God has great and beautiful plans for her life beyond even just her musical talents.”
Moving forward into her senior year, Barrett considers various colleges. Her top choice is Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She is very interested in their academics, as well as their jazz and orchestra music programs. The concept of pursuing music for a higher purpose appeals to her God-given passion for song. The cooler weather and green campus also hold an allure for her. Barrett is also looking into Fresno State and Colorado Christian University.
Her goal for college is to pursue a career in music ministry. She would also like to take composition and further her writing skills; she loves to write and is interested in the technical aspects that will allow her thoughts to flow smoothly.
As a senior, Barrett has one more year of high school to explore her interests and develop her skills. She looks forward to life after high school, knowing that God has bigger plans for her. She can’t wait to see how God will use her gifts to spread his love.
For more on Bella Barrett’s musical talent visit Music Review: Fresno Christian Choir welcomes the community to celebrate ‘Decade of Love’ and Drama program prepares to showcase Spring musical.
For more from The Feather visit Look Up, Superman Movie Takes World by Storm or Central Valley community commemorates September 11.
