An East Coast native, Dr. Joseph Henry has a passion for music that shines through his years of dedication as a professor at Eureka College and artistic director of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. Dr. Henry holds degrees in music education/choral conducting from the University of Southern Maine (USM), University of Maine and the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He received the Helen Cleaver Award for Excellence in Teaching at Eureka College and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and was inducted into the PSO’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Henry enjoys traveling, reading historical novels and biographies, and riding his bicycle out in the country. In high school, he set the state javelin record twice, and he still owns the javelin record at USM—but only because the school discontinued the sport after his senior year!
- Favorite vacation spot:
The state of Maine, of course! Since I grew up in Maine, I enjoy returning to visit family and friends, eat delicious seafood, and walk the ocean beaches.
- Favorite treat:
Homemade apple crisp topped with homemade vanilla ice cream.
- The one TV show you usually don’t tell people you watch:
Dr. Who. Although I never connected with it when I was a teenager, my daughters reintroduced the series to me via Netflix. The stories are intriguing, the dialogue is quick-witted, and it’s simply entertaining!
- What do you know now that you didn’t know at 30?
What happens to the human body as it ages…
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
Our annual family camping trip on Long Lake in Bridgeton, Maine.
- What was your first car?
I bought my mother’s 1969 Toyota Corona when I was 17.
- Who are some of your biggest influences?
My parents, who sacrificed so much to give their four children the opportunity to take piano lessons starting in second grade, and my mother, who forced me to practice daily. Also, Gerry Chamberland, an undergraduate mentor at USM, who had a way of creating beautiful music with high school and college students. He continued to be a good friend until his death a few years ago. My wife and I are both Christians, so Jesus Christ has a significant impact upon our philosophy of life and world view.
- What book do you think everyone should read?
The Bible.
- What’s the last movie you went to see?
When the Game Stands Tall, a movie inspired by the true story of the winning streak of the De La Salle High School football team.
- What’s one thing you’d rather pay somebody to do than do yourself?
Shovel my driveway in the wintertime. a&s
