directors

         Mr. Henning, director of both St. Laurence/ Queen of Peace and Brother Rice/ Mother McAuley High School Bands, received his music degree from DePaul University. Since his graduation, Henning has taught on the elementary and high school level for 32 years. For the past 27 years, he has been director of bands at St. Laurence.

          As an educator, Mr. Henning has been awarded "Who's Who in America's Teachers", "Outstanding Educators Award" from the University of Chicago and is the recipient of the "Chicagoland Outstanding Music Teacher Award." Most recently, Mr. Henning guest conducted for the All Catholic Chicago Band held at DePaul University.

          In addition, Mr. Henning frequently serves as an adjucator and a clinician at various events throughout the Chicagoland area.

         Dr. Henning, director emeritus of the St. Laurence/ Queen of Peace and Brother Rice/ Mother McAuley High School Bands, is currently enjoying his second year of retirement after 58 years of teaching. He is the founder of the St. Laurence and Brother Bands and also composed the "Viking Fight Song". Henning began teaching music in 1942 and graduated from DePaul University in 1947. Dr. Henning has inspired the minds and hearts of young men and women for more than half a century, with 37 of those years being spent at St. Laurence.

In 1993, Dr. Henning marked his Golden Jubilee as a band director of parochial schools of the Chicagoland area. In addition to his teaching activities, he has conducted for the Southwest Community Band since 1987.

          On another note, Dr. Henning has conducted orchestras for professional entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jimmy Durate, and Vicki Carr. He has also played clarinet with Wayne King, Guy Lombardo, and Lou Breeze.