Pianist Henry Lewers currently attends St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he is pursuing a self-designed Bachelor of Music degree with Elective Studies in Theatre. The Music Department at St. Olaf is world-renowned; it boasts seven choirs, two bands, and two orchestras, including the famous St. Olaf Band, St. Olaf Choir, and St. Olaf Orchestra. Henry is a member of the Chapel Choir, a mixed upper class choir directed by Dr. Christopher Aspaas; Jazz I, directed by Dr. David Hagedorn, and the student-run jazz combo Sangama Pie.
Last spring Jazz I, St. Olaf's top jazz ensemble, was named the Top Large Undergraduate Jazz Ensemble in the nation by Downbeat Magazine, a highly regarded jazz monthly. Henry has studied jazz piano with Harvey Diamond, as well as David Zoffer at the New England Conservatory, where he completed the two-year Certificate Program in Jazz, receiving a Level IV Certificate with Honors. At St. Olaf he studies with Laura Caviani, an in-demand jazz pianist in the Twin Cities.
Henry also has extensive experience playing for musical theater. At St. Olaf College, he has served as the musical director for Theatre Department productions of Under Milk Wood (directed by Gary Gisselman), and Violet (directed by Karen Peterson Wilson). Last fall, he was the vocal coach and harpsichordist for Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea. He has also played keyboard for productions of Brother Wolf (original music by Laurelyn Dossett), and Assassins. Last summer, Henry was the Assistant Music Director for musical theater at Quisisana, a high-end resort on Kezar Lake in Maine, working under prominent Broadway music director Robert Meffe. Other shows Henry has played for include The Wizard of Oz, Oliver!, Bye Bye Birdie, Patience, Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical, Into The Woods, Songs for A New World, and Wonderful Town.
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