Worship Musician June 2020 | Page 101

Hence, when applying submitted those same ndergraduate marching me a full ride. And, as tory”. n is nd s not ily t in the . genres of music, from ospel to pop, from hipe a student (more of musical. Now, as an nductor, and educator, s not just my love for, ng of various musical have contributed most am. I do believe it has vel of authenticity to the ed artists with whom I the key. And that does just in the classroom. ere education begins, . I've learned as much a classroom as I have n one. Make sure you ating. I have had great s, and they have been ber of them have even me at critical points in hat a good professor r students to want to what is being recited ery hour of classroom t countless multiples of om perfecting my craft [WM] You mentioned that you had “been in music since kindergarten”. What and who were your childhood and early teen musical influences on record and tv? [Henry] Most of my early musical influences were actually not on television but my music teachers. My middle school and high school band director, Mr. Randall Harwell, may be the single reason I chose to pursue music as a major in college. I wanted to be a band director, just like him. I remember my buddies always saying to me, “Henry, every time we see you, you are either headed to or from band practice.” And they were right. But there were also musicians I’d see on television, like Leonard Bernstein, conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Seeing and hearing that orchestra as a child, I could have only imagined then that one day they would choose to play a composition by me. So, to have that happen just this year was a dream come true. [WM] I know you not only as a friend and co-creator, but as a musical visionary, and a master musician and arranger, well-connected and making a huge difference in community work. I can imagine the satisfaction derived from your commercial success, but I’d like you to describe the fulfillment that comes from serving others and reaching out to the community through music and computer science. Tell us about your studio, Audiostate 55, and its community programs including the summer camps, and their impact? [Henry] Audiostate 55 Recording Studios & Entertainment Company has a three-fold mission: One is to foster an opportunity for young people to be exposed to the latest tools and technologies for the creation, recording, and production of music. I have experienced firsthand how the knowledge of current music and media technologies have enhanced not only my creative abilities but my professional opportunities. Thus, we’ve created pre-college music technology academies to give young people exposure to these technologies; the industry leaders involved in music, film, and tv Subscribe for Free... 51