Barber was a Lay Vicar at Chichester Cathedral in the 1790s under the direction of William Walond Jr. Walond resigned the position of Master of the Choristers in 1794 (but retained the separate position of Organist) – Barber was appointed in his stead, and received his fee from Walond's salary.
In 1801, James Target was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers of Chichester Cathedral. The cathedral Chapter records indicate that Barber had to be 'removed' in order for Target to assume the newly merged liturgical position.[1]