Head, Emerson
Class of 1953Born April 9, 1935 in Wilmington, NC; graduated from New Hanover High School 1953.
Dr. Head attended Transylvania Music Camp in Brevard, NC, and is an honor graduate of the University of Michigan, receiving his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. He also received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America, and is Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland’s School of Music.
Dr. Head enjoyed a versatile career as a trumpet-soloist, recitalist, teacher, clinician, conductor, and orchestral performer. Best known as a soloist, he performed in major American and European symphony halls, as well as at the openings of both the Kennedy Center and Disney World. He served as principal trumpet in the Jacksonville Symphony, the Winston-Salem Symphony, the Brevard Music Festival Orchestra, and in numerous oratorio, ballet, opera and symphonic performances in the nation’s capital.
As a proud NHHS alum, Dr. Head created the words and music for our Alma Mater. Listen to it as sung by the Jewell family at our 100th anniversary celebration in April 2022.
