Jim Henry, Ph.D.

Dr. Jim Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory, and music composition, including a Ph.D. in music composition from Washington University. He is currently Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he conducts University Singers and Vocal Point and teaches courses in Choral Methods, Choral Conducting, and Choral Arranging. He was awarded the Missouri’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

As a composer, Dr. Henry has won awards for his songs and piano pieces. He served for three years as 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.

In addition to his duties at University of Missouri - St. Louis, Dr. Henry is a two-time Barbershop Harmony Society International quartet champion bass, and a four-time international chorus champion director. Dr. Henry currently sings bass with Crossroads, 2009 BHS International Quartet Champions. Crossroads has performed around the world, has appeared in several television and radio broadcasts, and has produced four recordings. He was previously the bass of the Gas House Gang, the BHS 1993 International Quartet Champions. During the Gas House Gang’s 18 years together, they performed in all fifty states and fifteen countries, and in venues from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall. Their numerous television and radio appearances include NBC’s "Today Show," NPR's "At the Creation," and several PBS specials. The Gas House Gang was inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2019 he was inducted in the Hall of Fame for his individual contributions.

Dr. Henry has conducted numerous district and state honors choirs and has traveled the world as a conductor, coach, and lecturer. He will make his Carnegie Hall conducting debut in June. Dr. Henry is a contributing author for the Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music and the Grove Dictionary of American Music. He has won several awards for his singing, composing, and teaching, including the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the National Association for Music Education’s prestigious "Stand for Music" award for his work on behalf of music education.