HENRY
GRABB
PROFESSOR, OBOE
229, Swope Music Building
610-436-2224
HGrabb@wcupa.edu
Education
- D.M., Florida State University
- M.M., Northwestern University
- B.A., The University of Central Florida
Curriculum Vitae
Oboist Henry Grabb has been on the faculty of the West Chester University of Pennsylvania since 1992. Currently a Professor of Oboe, he directs the Community Music School and previously served as Chairperson of the Instrumental Music Department for seven years. In 2002, Dr. Grabb was awarded both the Dean's Excellence Award for scholarship and service and the Cohen Award for outstanding contributions to the School of Music. Prior to joining the West Chester University faculty, Grabb served on the faculties of Berry College, Humboldt State University, the University of Kansas, and Stetson University. Grabb was a winner of a fellowship to attend the Bach Aria Festival and Institute in 1993, and hosted the Stacy English horn Seminars in 1992 and 1993. Dr. Grabb freelances extensively in the greater Philadelphia area. An area newspaper review recently described Grabb's playing as "communicating an intensely personal quality, as if it were sung." He was previously principal oboist with the Lawrence Chamber Players, Rome (GA) Symphony, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Space Coast Philharmonic, and the Naples Philharmonic. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida, Master of Music from Northwestern University, and the Doctor of Music degree from the Florida State University. His principal teachers include Patricia Stenberg, Ray Still, and Eric Ohlsson. Dr. Grabb has presented masterclasses and performances at many universities throughout the United States, including the Cincinnati Conservatory, Michigan State University, and the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana. Along with his wife, clarinetist Karen Dannessa, Grabb has been a member of the Tallahassee Reed Trio, Serenade Trio, the Midwest Quintet, and Colloquy, a contemporary music ensemble. Founders of Duo del Sol, Grabb and Dannessa have commissioned numerous works as well as performed at many International Double Reed Society and ClarFest Conventions. In 2015, Duo Del Sol released a new CD entitled "Windward" which is available through Centaur records. Dr. Grabb performed a Carnegie Hall Recital in 2003. An article in New York Concert Review called Grabb "an experienced story teller who captivates his audience with imagination and zeal."
Dr. Grabb maintains an active studio of adult and high school oboe students. In addition, he serves as Director of Development for the Cat Angel Network, a non-profit, no kill cat rescue group.