A native of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Harcus graduated from the University of Toronto in 1974. Following further study in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Russia, he became a member of the York Winds, a well-known Canadian wind ensemble. In 1979 he won first prize in the CBC Talent Competition. Mr. Hennigar is an instructor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music. He joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1986, and recently retired from performing, but remains active in his role as TSYO coach.