Los Angeles, CA-Kathy Henkel is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Music in recognition of her role as Composer and Owner of Sign of the Silver Birch Music.
With over 40 years of experience in her field and having served in her current position as composer and owner of Sign of the Silver Birch Music for 14 years, Ms. Kathy Henkel is revered for her outstanding contributions to the industry. As a publisher, Kathy works with copyist Barb Watts-Robinson and graphic artist Anne Richardson-Daniel. Always engaging with those in her profession, Ms. Henkel attends music conferences in the U.S. and abroad to sell products and meet the musicians (performers, teachers, students, etc.) in person. Ms. Henkel writes the art songs and instrumental chamber music her company publishes. As composer and publisher, Ms. Henkel relies on “Patience -- if it’s not happening and you’re getting a concussion from banging your head against the brick wall, maybe it’s not the time for it to happen yet.” For someone starting out in the music industry, Kathy advises, “You’d better be sure you love it. Learn how to stay healthy. Be prepared for and able to endure 16-hour days, and the occasional 48-hour day.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Henkel has attained extensive experience as a liner note writer for Pro Piano Records. As a visiting in-school classroom speaker and on-stage host of the Music Outreach Program at the Chamber Music/LA Festival and as program annotator and educational consultant for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Ms. Henkel has established herself as a well sought after professional in the field. A scriptwriter and producer for KUSC-FM, a music reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, a music researcher for Paramount Pictures, and member of the administrative staff of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Ms. Henkel is known for her exceptional contributions to the field of music. For her future, Ms. Henkel’s wishes, “To remain healthy so I can continue to do what I do. To get my music into the hands of good people who feel an affinity for my music and who will share it with others.” As to her legacy, Ms. Henkel would like to be “remembered for creating attractive, well-crafted music with a bit of magic in it that touches individuals, each in their own way, and that teachers and performers will enjoy the music and want to share it with others.”
While pursuing her educational endeavors, Ms. Henkel obtained her Master of Arts in Music with Distinction and a Bachelor of Music from California State University, Northridge, and a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of California, Los Angeles. In school, Ms. Henkel studied under the instruction of Frank Campo and Aurelio de la Vega.
To further enhance her professional development, Ms. Henkel is a distinguished fellow of several prominent organizations including the National Academy of Recording Arts, the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 as a Life Member, National Phi Beta Kappa Society and local Southern California chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, Zeta Zeta Chapter-Denver-Local Patroness, and the National Association of Composers/USA.
In recognition of her many professional accolades, Ms. Henkel’s music has been performed at festivals in Gubbio, Italy, Montevarchi, Italy, and Fairbanks, Alaska, as well as at premieres in England, Austria, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Some of her selected major works include: “Gotta Minute Suite” for oboe & bassoon (2003) - Performed at Chamber Music Extravaganza-Pomona College, Claremont, CA on October 7, 2018, “Samantha’s Song” for solo trombone (2014) - Performed at Rochester-Eastman School of Music “Women’s Voices” Concert, celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage in NY State on March 5, 2017 and more. Recognized among her peers, Ms. Henkel received Commission from State of Alaska (1994) and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2018); Ms. Henkel was also the Principal Guest Composer at 28th Annual Dana New Music Festival (2012) and 31st Dana Festival (2015), Youngstown State University, Ohio.
When
not working, Ms. Henkel enjoys traveling, spending time with her sisters and
boyfriend, gardening, astronomy, and hiking the Cornwall Coastal Path in
southwest England. In 2007, Ms. Henkel ran the Los Angeles Marathon.
Ms. Henkel dedicates this recognition in loving memory of Wes Abbott, a most
ardent supporter and performer of her music.
For more information, please visit http://silverbirchmusic.com
