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Draft:Hank Hehmsoth

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Hank Hehmsoth
[[File:[File:Hehmsoth-in-Watson-Studio-Macdowell-Colony.jpg|frameless|upright=1]]
Jazz Pianist, Composer, Educator
BornSeptember 6, 1952
San Antonio, Texas, USA
NationalityAmerican
Occupation(s)Jazz Pianist, Composer, Educator, Visual Artist
AwardsFulbright Senior Specialist, NEA Grants, NACUSA Winner, MacDowell Fellow
Websitehttps://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921633

Hank Hehmsoth Born: September 6, 2952, San Antonio, Texas Nationality: American Occupation: Jazz Pianist, Composer, Educator, Visual Artist, Fulbright Senior Specialist Known For: Contributions to jazz education, cultural diplomacy, and interdisciplinary arts.

Introduction Hank Hehmsoth is an acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, educator, and visual artist known for his contributions to jazz performance, composition, and cultural preservation. A Fulbright Senior Specialist and recipient of multiple National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, Hehmsoth’s career spans decades, encompassing performances, compositions, and collaborations that bridge diverse musical traditions and cultures.

Biography and Career Early Life Hank Hehmsoth was born in San Antonio, Texas, where his early exposure to classical music and jazz sparked a lifelong passion for musical performance and composition. He studied music at University of Texas, North Texas State University, and Eastman School of Music, and quickly established himself as a talented pianist, composer, and arranger.

Career Hehmsoth's career has included significant roles as a performer, composer, and educator. As a jazz pianist, he has performed internationally, including notable appearances with the Joe Henderson Quintet and his own ensembles. He also contributed to the Grammy-winning work of Christopher Cross, blending pop and jazz influences.

In 2016, Hehmsoth returned to Chile as a Fulbright Senior Specialist, conducting master classes and collaborating on performances across the country. He served on a distinguished panel with U.S. Ambassador Michael A. Hammer to award Fulbright Master’s Scholarships in the arts.

As a composer, Hehmsoth received the prestigious NACUSA Composition Award and the New Music USA grant for his piece "Carlos' n Charlie's," which premiered at Austin’s One World Theatre.

Awards and Honors Fulbright Senior Specialist: Recognized for international contributions to jazz education and cultural diplomacy. NEA Grants: Twice awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (1979, 2018) for projects advancing jazz and music history. NACUSA Composition Winner: Honored in 2010 for excellence in composition. MacDowell Fellow: Recognized for interdisciplinary work in jazz and visual arts. Major Projects and Collaborations Cultural Diplomacy Hehmsoth played a pivotal role in cultural diplomacy, including serving on panels to strengthen arts exchanges between Chile and the United States. His 2013 and 2016 Fulbright projects featured performances and collaborations with Chilean musicians, furthering international understanding through jazz.

Visual Art and Interdisciplinary Work As a visual artist, Hehmsoth explores the intersection of music and art through series like Blu-Escape and Album Covers. His artwork has been showcased in exhibitions and integrated into his musical projects.

Television and Film Contributions Hehmsoth's music has been featured in films and television, including the PBS special Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham (2024). He has also contributed to projects celebrating Jerry Goldsmith’s film scores.

Selected Works Blu-Escape: Jazz album and accompanying visual art series (2024). "Carlos' n Charlie's": Composition awarded by New Music USA. Television Series: Rediscovery of Just Jazz (1970), highlighting rare jazz performances.

Specialist, NEA Grants, NACUSA Winner, MacDowell Fellow website       = https://www.macdowell.org/artists/hank-hehmsoth?utm_source=chatgpt.com

References Texas State University Faculty Profile MacDowell Artist Profile PBS Special - Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam All About Jazz Profile NACUSA Composition Winner Announcement Links External Links: Official Website: https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921633 IMDB Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1837114/?ref_=tt_cst_t_11 Discogs Profile: https://www.discogs.com/artist/3334419-Hank-Hehmsoth