BIOGRAPHY
Henry Harris, an accomplished musician and aspiring composer, is a graduate of Varina High School in Henrico, VA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Education from Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.
Henry's dedication to both performance and composition is evident through his impressive achievements. His musical journey began in high school, where he reached significant milestones as a member of the Richmond Symphony Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble during his junior and senior years.
Over the years, Henry has collaborated with numerous ensembles, including the Richmond Nativity Pageant Brass Choir, the Richmond City Jazz Band, and the Petersburg Symphony in Petersburg, VA. During summers, he often performs with the Accord Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., showcasing his talents at esteemed venues.
As a composer, Henry marked a pivotal moment in spring 2023 when the Elizabeth City State University Concert Band premiered his first concert band piece, "A Night of Wonder". He has also composed and arranged works for his ensemble, "The Henry Harris Big Band," further highlighting his creative expertise.
Henry's performances have garnered widespread acclaim, including appearances at the University of Richmond, on ESPN, and alongside the 72nd Governor of Virginia. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Charlton Singleton and performed for distinguished dignitaries.
His accolades include the Music Program Achievement Award and the Presser Scholar Award from Elizabeth City State University’s Department of Music and Visual Arts. He has performed with the Intercollegiate Music Association (IMA) Jazz Band Ensemble in 2020 and 2023, participated in the inaugural North Carolina Intercollegiate Honor Band in 2023, and joined the 2023 National Intercollegiate Band, premiering Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty's "The Adventures of Jesse Owens." Additionally, he has served as a brass instructor and band director at the Salvation Army Carolinas Music & Arts Conservatory Camp in the summer of 2024.
Henry is also authoring his first book, "The Book of Jazz", which explores jazz theory and performance techniques, offering valuable insights to musicians.
An active member of various organizations, Henry serves on the National Committee on Chapter Operations for Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Incorporated and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He is also affiliated with the National Association for Music Education, the League of American Orchestras, and Grammy U, the Recording Academy's mentorship program.
To reach his level of musicianship, Henry has studied with esteemed mentors and received guidance from renowned composers, including:
- Phillip Jones, former member of Danny Davis & Nashville Brass and current XO brass artist
- Dave Adams, former Principal Bass Trombonist of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra
- Bracy Martin, Assistant Director of Bands at Elizabeth City State University and Trombone Professor
- Christopher White, Principal Double Bass player of the Virginia Symphony
- Adolphus Hailstork, Composer
- James Curnow, Composer