Corey Henke - Executive and Program Director
Corey Henke is a music educator and professional musician who is passionate about creating engaging programs for youth musicians and audiences, as well as helping children develop self-confidence through music performance. Mr. Henke began working with SEMYO in 2015 as Program Director and was additionally appointed Executive Director in 2017. During his tenure, SEMYO has doubled in enrollment to 240 students in five orchestras and expanded its outreach programing to increase access to instrumental music programs in the community.
This has included the launch of two ensembles (Bravura Strings and Prelude Winds), expanding the SEMYO Tuition Assistance program, creating an outreach program at Riverside Central Elementary School, and the addition of an annual middle school honor band event.
As a music teacher, Mr. Henke has taught French horn lessons at his private studio since 2001, was on the music faculty of Winona State University from 2010-2021, and from 2019-2020 served as the brass coach for the Minnesota All-State Orchestra. An experienced performer on horn, Mr. Henke has been a member of the Rochester (MN) Symphony since 2005 where he was appointed co-principal horn in 2021. He is also the principal horn of the Winona Symphony and frequently performs with his wife, pianist Susan Henke, including solo recitals incorporating students from his studio.
Prior to joining SEMYO, Mr. Henke served for four years as the Education Chair for the Rochester Music Guild and was previously an assistant supervisor for the General Service department at Mayo Clinic where he successfully completed their Leadership Management Training program. Mr. Henke holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from St. Olaf College and Master of Music Degree from the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) where he was a graduate teaching assistant.
In his free time, Mr. Henke enjoys traveling with his wife Susan, watching TV and movies, reading, fishing, and bicycling on the bike trails in SE Minnesota.
