Jim Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition, including a Ph.D. in music composition. He was head of the choral music department at Lindenwood University for nine years, during which time the University Chorus quintupled in size under his leadership. He also formed Voices Only, a unique a cappella ensemble that performed to rave reviews at the 2004 Missouri Music Educators Association conference, toured Germany, Holland and Sweden, and produced a recording. He travels the world as a guest conductor, coach, and lecturer, and has just been named head of the choral studies department at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
In addition to his duties at UMSL, Dr. Henry is the musical director for the Ambassadors of Harmony, a 160-voice men's a cappella chorus that performs barbershop, jazz, and light classical music. The Ambassadors of Harmony have produced three recordings, and were just named the best male barbershop chorus in the world at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2004 International Competition.
Dr. Henry’s singing experience spans from classical music to jazz. He served as a bass section leader for the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and sang bass with Odyssey, a popular St. Louis-based jazz quartet. He also arranges for and sings bass with The Gas House Gang, SPEBSQSA International Quartet Champions. The Gas House Gang has entertained audiences around the world and in venues from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall. They have produced five recordings and have been seen and heard nation-wide on NBC’s “Today Show,” NPR's "At the Creation," and two PBS specials, “Voices in Harmony” and "The Egg."
Jim now sings with a new quartet, Crossroads, who will begin competition in 2008.
As a composer, Dr. Henry has won several awards for his songs and piano pieces. He served for three years as a composer-in-residence at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School under the aegis of Washington University, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Buder Foundation. He was also a music mentor for the "Music, Words, Opera" educational program sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis.