James Henry

Jim Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition, including a Ph.D. in music composition from Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently the Music Department Chair and the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he conducts the University Singers and Vocal Point. 

In addition to his duties at UMSL, Dr. Henry is the musical and artistic director of the three-time BHS international champion chorus, the Ambassadors of Harmony, a 150-voice men's a cappella ensemble. His singing experience spans multiple genres.  He currently sings bass and arranges for Crossroads, BHS International Quartet Champions. Crossroads has performed around the world, has appeared in several television and radio broadcasts, and has produced three recordings. Dr. Henry was previously the bass of the Gas House Gang, who were also International Quartet Champions. The Gas House Gang 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. Dr. Henry also served as bass section leader for the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus. 

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. Dr. Henry travels the world as a guest conductor, coach, and lecturer. He is a contributing author for the Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music and the Grove Dictionary of American Music. He has won several awards including the Missouri 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.

Dr. Henry travels the world as a guest conductor, coach, and lecturer.  He is a contributing author for the Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music and the Grove Dictionary of American Music.  He has won several awards including the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.