Henson, Blake R.

Blake R. Henson has been praised for his music that Gramophone Magazine says "moves from soothing sentiments to more exultant territory with exceptional harmonic vibrancy; it casts a spell that must be even more thrilling when heard in live performance," and the New Jersey Star-Ledger called "powerful and thoughtful at the same time."

Born in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Henson currently resides in De Pere, Wisconsin where he serves as Assistant Professor of Music at St. Norbert College. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music theory and composition from Westminster Choir College, as well as the degree Doctor of Musical Arts in composition from The Ohio State University.

Sought after for his choral, vocal, and orchestral work, Dr. Henson has received numerous commissions from colleges and high schools, churches, community choruses and orchestras, and professional ensembles. His music has been performed in some of the finest venues in the United States including Carnegie Hall, The National Cathedral, and Spivey Hall; as well as in concert halls in Canada, Mexico, England, South Africa, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan. His choral works have been performed at ACDA National Conventions as well as by numerous All-State choirs.

Henson's work has received many awards, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination for "The Good Fence" and the presigious Alumni Merit Award from his alma mater Westminster Choir College, as well as the Hoke Church Music Award, Dr. Carl F. Mueller Composition Award, York Composition Award, Lynn Memorial Composition Award, and first prize in the Chanticleer Composition Competition.