Matthew Henry
Doctoral Conducting Assistant
A native of Beavercreek, Ohio, Matthew Shane Henry received his Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Jazz Studies (trumpet performance) from The Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio. Quickly demonstrating his educational prowess, he was named the first recipient of the School of Music's Outstanding Student Teacher Award. He enjoyed a successful seven-year career as a music educator in the public schools of Ohio, prior to being offered a graduate assistantship at the Jordan College of Fine Arts of Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana where he pursued a Master of Music degree in orchestral and wind conducting. While at
Butler, he served as Associate Conductor of the Symphonic Band
and Wind Ensemble and adjunct faculty with the undergraduate conducting and music education programs. During this time, he also was active as Principal Guest Conductor with the Butler Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his conducting and teaching responsibilities, Matthew also held the position of principal Trumpet with the Orchestra throughout his assistantship including their tour of The Republic of China (Taiwan).
Making a shift from the education realm to the professional, Matthew was offered a highlyselective position with the United States Air Force’s Music program as a conductor. Major (ret.)Henry has held a wide variety of assignments over his 20-year career in the Air Force to include11 years as Commander, Conductor & Music Director of bands world-wide.
Henry secured the first everinvitation of a regional Air Force Band to perform at the International Double Reed Conventionin August of 1999. In October of 2000, while serving as Deputy Commander & AssociateConductor of The USAF Band of the Rockies
He has literally joined the Air Force and seen the world. In a combined 7 years leading bands overseas, he hasvisited or performed in 49 different countries throughout the Pacific, Asia, Europe, Africa andthe Middle East. Some Highlights include: As Conductor of the Chamber Winds of the USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Major (ret.)
(USAF Academy Band), one of two of the AirForce Premier Bands at the time, he became the first USAF band officer invited to guest conductand lecture at the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, England. He retired as Directorof Staff & Associate
Conductor for The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington DC. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, educator, adjudicator, and producer. Matthew is currently a graduate assistant in UNLV’s Wind Studies Division pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts.