Humberto Henriquez

Humberto Henriquez began playing the trumpet in 5th grade when he joined his elementary school’s instrumental program. It was not until he reached high school where his musical potential was ignited by his high school band director. His band director exposed him to the many benefits and opportunities playing an instrument can provide. Humberto went on to start his own brass quintet with fellow classmates and began doing regular church and wedding gigs when not in school. In his senior year, he started playing piano through the recommendation of his theory teacher who challenged him frequently and always urged him to always keep his hands busy. Through his high school experiences, Humberto developed a deep appreciation for music, using it as an emotional outlet and also allowing him to develop into a lifelong learner.

After high school, Mr. Henriquez attended Morgan State University where he studied Music Performance and Education. While studying trumpet, and when his schedule would allow it, he’d take lessons with the coordinator of piano studies, Dr. Stephanie Bruning. During his tenure at MSU, he participated in every instrumental ensemble possible and established himself as a key member in the program. While in Baltimore, Mr. Henriquez held intern positions at various schools and received the opportunity to work with students of all ages (K-12) and backgrounds. It was also at Morgan State where Mr. Henriquez taught himself to play the guitar.

After his tenure at Morgan State, Mr. Henriquez accepted a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Illinois University’s School of Music where he would pursue a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance. With his position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Mr. Henriquez tutored undergraduate students in music theory and history and helped school of music faculty by proctoring exams and/or helping facilitate classes. As a graduate student at WIU, he not only studied the trumpet, but he was also able to broaden his knowledge of brass pedagogy. Additionally, he studied with jazz composer, Dr. John Cooper, who helped him make great strides in his understanding of the jazz language. Mr. Henriquez also played in the Quincy Symphony Orchestra in the 2021-2022 season following the global pandemic.

In his musical journey, Mr. Henriquez has crossed paths with many great people who helped to further enrich his experience. He has had the opportunity of sharing the stage with notable musicians such as Derrick Gardner, Ashlin Parker, Bobby Shew, and Christian McBride. He has also participated in masterclasses with Chris Sala, Mark Hughes, and Terry Everson whose impact has affected the way he approaches music. In his experiences, Mr. Henriquez has played in all types of ensembles including Salsa bands, Concert bands, symphony orchestras, etc. He even had the privilege of marching in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade in November 2019.

Mr. Henriquez believes that the lessons you learn while playing an instrument can, in many ways, be applied to other aspects of life, and is why he encourages playing an instrument to all of his friends and loved ones. Communication is key between student and teacher, and Mr. Henriquez believes any student that comes with a willingness to learn and communicate can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Mr. Henriquez holds a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Western Illinois University, where he studied with Wayne Cameron. He also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, both from Morgan State University, where he studied with trumpeter/conductor, Dr. Bruce Briney. Additionally, Mr. Henriquez is currently studying at George Mason University, pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance, under the tutelage of Dr. Dennis Edelbrock. At Mason, Mr. Henriquez also serves as a Graduate Assistant for the Dewberry School of Music, teaching 100 level music courses.