BIOGRAPHY
Henry Harris, a renowned musician aspiring to become a composer, graduated from Varina High School in Henrico, VA. Currently, he is actively pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a focus on Music Education at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC.
Dedicated to both performance and composition, he is resolute in refining his skills in these domains. Even prior to embarking on his current academic journey, he accomplished significant feats. During his senior year in high school, he had the honor of performing with the Petersburg Symphony, an experience that left an indelible mark on his musical path. To this day, he continues to actively contribute to the symphony.
Mr. Harris's commitment to music has driven him to engage with various ensembles and musical groups. He became an integral part of the Richmond Nativity Pageant Brass Choir, the Richmond City Jazz Band, and a trombone ensemble known as BoneFire. During the summer, he can be found showcasing his talents with the Accord Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., gracing renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center.
Significantly, he has also exhibited his prowess as a composer. In the spring of 2023, the Elizabeth City State University Concert Band premiered his concert band piece, "A Night Of Wonder," which showcased his creative abilities.
His performances have garnered substantial attention and accolades, leading to appearances one could dream of; like the University of Richmond, on television networks such as ESPN, and in the presence of the 72nd Governor of Virginia. Additionally, he has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Charlton Singleton.
Among his remarkable achievements, Mr. Harris was honored with the Music Program Achievement Award by the Elizabeth City State University Department of Music and Visual Arts. Furthermore, he took pride in performing with the IMA (Intercollegiate Music Association) Jazz Band Ensemble in both 2020 and 2023. He participated in the first Inaugural Biennial North Carolina Intercollegiate Honor Band in 2023, and he was also part of the 2023 National Intercollegiate Band which premiered six-time Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty's composition "The Adventures Of Jessie Owens".
Mr. Harris is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Incorporated and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He currently serves on the National Committee On Chapter Operations for Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Incorporated. He is also affiliated with the National Association for Music Education.
To reach his level of musicianship, Mr. Harris was able to study with some of the best such as:
- Phillip Jones (Former member of Danny Davis & Nashville Brass and currently an 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)
His profound passion for music has opened doors to numerous opportunities. Mr. Harris acknowledges that without the unwavering support of his family and his faith, as he once expressed, "None of my past achievements or future aspirations would be attainable."