Zachary Harris

Bio

Zachary J. Harris taught instrumental music for 37 years in schools in Mississippi. He is currently part-time music instructor at William Carey University, where he teaches music education courses, and supervises instrumental student interns. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Harris was Director of Bands for the Gulfport School District, where he oversaw all instrumental wind programs for the district. He conducted the Symphonic Band, taught music for the marching band, and served as Department Chairperson.

Mr. Harris, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi Valley State University and his Masters of Music Education from the University of Mississippi. He is a member of Mississippi Bandmasters Association Inc., where he was past president, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, National Federation High School Music Association, and Phi Beta Mu where he served on the Executive Board. Mr. Harris has served on regional and state level music committees in Mississippi. He was the Southeastern Representative for the National Federation of State High School Association’s Music Committee from 1997-2001. Mr. Harris has been guest clinician throughout the south-eastern states. He presently serves on Music For All’s Education Team as a guest Clinician.

Mr. Harris’ bands have received Superior Ratings consistently through the years in marching, sight-reading, and concert. In December 2018, Zachary J. Harris was inducted in the Phi Beta Mu’s Delta Chapter of Mississippi’s Hall of Fame and in 2021 was inducted into the Magnolia Band Directors Association Hall of Fame. On January 27, 2024 Mr. Harris was inducted into the Gulf Coast Band Directors Association Hall of Fame.

Zachary is married to Sheila, and they have two beautiful daughters Brianna and Zacharia.