Simon Henry

Simon started learning piano at an early age, then, after a short break, resumed lessons at school - ABRSM grade repertoire mainly, Simon took up clarinet lessons and played bass in a couple of rock bands before buying himself an alto sax and teaching himself mainly by listening to records. While at Architecture college and after, Simon played sax in various bands and on various demos.

After college, he joined 80s pop band Haysi Fantayzee playing on their singles and the album. At the same time, Simon formed an 8 piece band and did a number of gigs and recorded various demos, as well as guesting with various other bands and performers. Later Simon joined indy pop band Jamey Wednesday (later Carter USM) performing numerous gigs and playing on their singles.

Simon then started an instrumental 7 piece band with improvised solos and ran a weekly jam session for a number of years. He also played regularly in a Big Band and then ran a Big Band at the Battersea Arts Centre, and later at the City Lit. Simon then decided yo take up the flute in order to “double” in the Big Band. He has a Diploma in Harmony and Counterpoint, Grade 8 piano, Grade 5 flute and grade 5 theory. Simon completed a PGCE (music) at Goldsmiths, then taught at Hackney Free, Battersea Technical College, Ilford County High School and City and Islington College before arriving at Morpeth.