Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Scamurra.
Hi Henry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started playing the saxophone when I was 10 in Saint Joseph, MO and very quickly grew attached to music as a form of expression and curiosity. I studied privately while attending Central High School with Bob Long and Adam Larson where they encouranged my study into classical and jazz music. At 15 I performed a classical concerto (the Glazunov Concerto) with a symphony, at 16 I went to Indianapolis to play in the national “Jazz Band of America”, and by graduation I had formed a small jazz band and booked dozens of shows around Saint Joseph. I received my BM from the conservatory at UMKC in 2025 and, while in college, I performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the 2024 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program. In 2025 I self-released my debut album “Urban Forum” with fellow kansas city luminary musicians Isaiah Petrie, Jade Harvey, and Spencer Reeve. It is a modern jazz album of mostly original music dipping into rock, folk, adn gospel, but steeped in the jazz tradition. Currently I am composing, performing, and curating shows in the Kansas City area while in my studio residency at the Charlotte Street Foundation (2025-27). Most recently in February of 2026, I received the grand prize in the Vandoren Emerging Artist national competition for saxophonists under 23.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up in a low income Midwest household and having a single mother working as a nurse with four kids, I would say there has been a constant financial struggle in my life. She provided so many opportunities to me and I am forever grateful to her for her love and encouragement however there are definitely material needs that I’ve encountered and battled with as an artist. Music isn’t nearly as lucrative of a career as it is made out to seem and almost all of my larger projects, tours, and shows have put me in the negative. Many months go by where I am improvising how I will make rent along the way and that has not been made any easier by current administration. With that being said, I am extremely fortunate to have a support system in my mother, friends, family, and mentors throughout my career that have given a lot of purpose and clarity to what I want to bring to my community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an alto saxophonist and composer. I specialize in jazz and improvised music with a focus on interdisciplinary performance. I think this is what I am known for and what sets me apart from my peers. I have the belief that the best way for my community in Kansas City to thrive is to build more connections between different genres and disciplines of art. My performances regularly incorporate dance, painting, poetry, comedy and other fine arts with that being an intentional inclusion on my part. At my last show I brewed tea for the guests as they arrived before we started playing as a way to greet everyone and set an intentional mood for the performance. In August of 2026 I am joining with fellow Charlotte Street Resident Caroline Honas to display an interdisciplinary gallery exhibition at The Waiting Room in the west bottoms. I am also proud of my achievements within jazz music. I have studied with some of the greatest living musicians and been recognized for several years as a Vandoren Emerging Artist as well as being a part of the 2024 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead cohort.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of community. The value of sharing energy and creativity with the awareness that it will grow the spirit of everyone around you. Surround yourself with people you truly see as mentors and always be open to learning from those around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://henryscamurra.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryscamurra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.scamurra
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@henryscamurra
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/5OJykd5fkdGXCwNGoLhcb8?si=1udZ_QGXSbG0QluIB8wWZQ
