Joe Henderson, Viola

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 2022

Born: Oklahoma but raised in Jacksonville, FL

Age started learning Viola: 8 years old

Degrees: Studied music performance at the University of North Florida

Joe took lessons on Viola for 8 years PRIOR to attending college

Symphonic experience Joe brings to SWFSO: 
Jacksonville Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Venice Symphony, and Coastal Symphony of Georgia.  Joe is now also the new Assistant Principal violist in Orlando Philharmonic!

Music Festivals Joe has been a part of:
“Attended the Texas Chamber Music Festival (2023), American Viola Society Festival (2022), National Orchestral Institute (2019), and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival (2018)”

Famous musicians Joe has worked with:  Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Bella Hristova, Joshua Roman, Simone Porter

Teaching Experience: “I teach a variable amount of middle and high school students through section coachings and private lessons.”

Special music awards, scholarships, or accomplishments Joe has earned?

“Won first prize of the Orchestral Audition Competition at the American Viola Society Festival in 2022”

What Joe likes most about playing in SWFSO:  “Getting to meet incredible people like Gil Shaham”

Teaching experience Joe has:  “Taught private lessons since 2013 and now teaches 4 students”

Something you may not know about Joe: “ I love playing chamber music and arranging new pieces to sightread with friends”.  Joe also had an interesting audition experience… “My audition was the day before hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, so I remember we all had to relocate to a different building for extra safety, and during the drive home traffic was jam packed!”