BIOGRAPHY
Henry Harris, an accomplished musician with ambitions to become a composer, graduated from Varina High School in Henrico, VA. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Education at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC.
Henry's dedication to both performance and composition is evident in his impressive achievements. Even before embarking on his current academic path, he reached significant milestones. During his senior year of high school, he had the honor of performing with the Petersburg Symphony, an experience that greatly shaped his musical journey. He remains an active contributor to the symphony today.
His passion for music has led him to collaborate with various ensembles and groups. Henry has been a key member of the Richmond Nativity Pageant Brass Choir, the Richmond City Jazz Band, and the trombone ensemble BoneFire. In the summer, he showcases his talents with the Accord Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., performing at notable venues.
As a composer, Henry achieved a notable milestone when his concert band piece, "A Night of Wonder," was premiered by the Elizabeth City State University Concert Band in the spring of 2023, demonstrating his creative talent.
His performances have earned considerable recognition and accolades, including appearances at University of Richmond, on ESPN, and alongside the 72nd Governor of Virginia and other distinguished figures. He has also had the privilege of performing with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Charlton Singleton.
Henry's accomplishments include receiving the Music Program Achievement Award and the Presser Scholar Award from the Elizabeth City State University Department of Music and Visual Arts. He has performed with the IMA (Intercollegiate Music Association) Jazz Band Ensemble in both 2020 and 2023, participated in the first inaugural North Carolina Intercollegiate Honor Band in 2023, and was part of the 2023 National Intercollegiate Band, which premiered Michael Daugherty's composition "The Adventures of Jessie Owens." Additionally, he served as a brass instructor at the Carolinas Salvation Army music camp and as a band director during the summer of 2024. But there's more, Mr. Harris is focused on writing his first book titled "The Book of Jazz" a book focused on jazz theory as well as some performance techniques when dealing with Jazz.
Henry is affiliated with Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Incorporated and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, where he currently serves on the National Committee on Chapter Operations for Kappa Kappa Psi. He is also a member of the National Association for Music Education and League of American Orchestras.
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