Mr. Harris has served as a Professor of Music at Texas Southern University for the last 46 years. Mr. Harris began his career at Texas Southern University on the invitation of Maestro Benjamin J. Butler, II, who enlisted him as an associate director and musical arranger for the world famous Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul" Marching Band, 1971 through 1981.
Additionally, in 1979 Professor Harris founded The People Workshop, now known as The People's Family Workshop the first Black-originated and multi-cultural arts organization of Houston to present in the city’s major performing arts venues. A few of his former participants and students are Yolanda Adams, Kirk Whalum, Beyonce, Preston Middleton, Bernard Pierre, Vincent Powell, Horace Alexander Young, Dvonne Parker, John Norman, Robert Glasper, Bryan-Michael Cox and Josh Dunham.
Mr. Harris currently serves as Professor of Music and Founder and Director of Jazz Studies at Texas Southern University. Additionally, Howard Harris is the sole African American Houstonian whose works have been performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra. Other orchestras that have performed his works include the Baltimore, New Orleans, Fort Worth and Savannah Symphonies. His works as a creative writer also include multi-disciplinary stage works that have been performed nationally and internationally.
Additionally, in 1979 Professor Harris founded The People Workshop, now known as The People's Family Workshop the first Black-originated and multi-cultural arts organization of Houston to present in the city’s major performing arts venues. A few of his former participants and students are Yolanda Adams, Kirk Whalum, Beyonce, Preston Middleton, Bernard Pierre, Vincent Powell, Horace Alexander Young, Dvonne Parker, John Norman, Robert Glasper, Bryan-Michael Cox and Josh Dunham.
Mr. Harris currently serves as Professor of Music and Founder and Director of Jazz Studies at Texas Southern University. Additionally, Howard Harris is the sole African American Houstonian whose works have been performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra. Other orchestras that have performed his works include the Baltimore, New Orleans, Fort Worth and Savannah Symphonies. His works as a creative writer also include multi-disciplinary stage works that have been performed nationally and internationally.