Biography

Interlacing lived experiences with innate passion, Henry Dorn is a nationally recognized music composer/conductor renowned for his energizing rhythm, syntax versatility, and passion for creating storytelling sounds with larger picture meanings. Dorn’s compositions encompass intimate narratives often told from the lens of being a musician and African American. He is passionate about developing immersive experiences while setting an example of his life signature – the path may not always be smooth or clear, but it will always be worth it. His works have earned him recognition and performances by distinguished ensembles across the country, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Grammy-winning Harlem Quartet, Aizuri Quartet, Argento Ensemble, and the Dallas Winds. 

Beginning Fall 2023, Dorn joins the faculty of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN as Assistant Professor of Conducting and Composition, and he takes the helm of the award-winning St. Olaf Band as Conductor. Prior to St. Olaf College, Dorn worked as an Assistant Director of the Memphis Area Youth Wind Ensemble and formerly served as Director to the Nu Chamber Collective. He has also worked with musicians of the United States Army Field Band, the United States Air Force Band, and has guest conducted the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

Conducting the St. Olaf Band was one of the most energizing rehearsals I’ve ever been a part of. I was pushing them, and they were pushing me. There’s no greater joy than the interaction I get with students, and finding those special ‘aha’ moments with them in the classroom or during rehearsal.” – Henry Dorn. 

Dorn’s work as a composer has earned him several accolades, including an Inaugural Future of Music Faculty Fellowship from­ the Cleveland Institute of Music and an ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award.His somber work for orchestra – Transitions, a work about his mother’s tumultuous battle with lung cancer and her transition from this life – was premiered by the Minnesota Orchestra in May 2022. It will be performed by both the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra their upcoming 2023-24 seasons. His newest work for orchestra – …i forgot to say good morning – will be premiered June 2023 in New York by the American Composers Orchestra.

Originally from Little Rock, AR, Dorn’s ardency toward composing sparked at an early age while he was surrounded by blues and the sounds of his father’s vinyl records collection. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from The University of Memphis, a Master of Music in Composition and Wind Conducting from Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Conducting and a DMA in Composition from Michigan State University. He his primary conducting teachers have been Kevin L. Sedatole, Harlan D. Parker, and Kraig Alan Williams. He studied composition with David Biedenbender, Ricardo Lorenz, Alexis Bacon, Oscar Bettison, Kamran Ince, and Jack Cooper, and he has had additional studies with Kevin Puts, Joel Puckett, Derek Bermel, Aaron Jay Kernis, and Joseph Schwantner.  

Dorn currently resides in Minnesota with his wife Alicia and daughter Harper. His music is published through HLD3 Music and Murphy Music Press.