Rick Barclay began his career in the marching arts as a member of the Rochester Patriots from 2001 to 2003. After moving to California in 2004 and marching with the Magic of Orlando in 2005, he began teaching percussion at Claremont High School. While at Claremont, Rick led the percussion program to their most successful seasons to date, winning Scholastic Concert World and placing third in marching Scholastic World at the WGI World Championships in 2008.

In 2010, Rick transitioned to the role of Percussion Director at Fountain Valley High School, a position he held for five years. While there, the indoor percussion program earned a bronze medal in WGI Scholastic Open in 2011 was promoted to World Class in 2012. Rick additionally served as the Battery Caption Head for Woodbridge High School from 2008 to 2012.

Rick was formerly on the percussion staff of The Arizona Academy Drum & Bugle Corps (2009–2011) and Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps (2012 and 2013), teaching all members of the battery and front ensemble. After some time off, Rick returned to the activity in 2016 and served as the Ensemble Coordinator for Pulse Percussion during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Rick holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in History from CSU Fullerton and spends his days teaching history at Redondo Union High School.