Zachary Harris joins ranks of “legendary” band masters

There are talented, hard-working band directors in middle schools and high schools all over the state – all members of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association.

Then there is Phi Beta Mu, Delta Chapter, an honorary fraternity that preserves the history and impact of Mississippi’s “legendary” band directors through its Legacy Project. In March, Phi Beta Mu chose Zachary Harris of William Carey University to join this elite group.

“Mr. Harris and I started as high school band directors at the same time and within 30 miles of each other. I’ve known since 1986 that he would one day be legendary,” said WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett.

“He’s been a good friend but, more so, an inspiration with his dedication to his students and to the state of Mississippi. We are indeed fortunate and blessed to have him as a part of the Carey family.”

Harris was a band director at Mississippi public schools for 31 years.

He started out in Newton, then moved on to Forest Hill, Brookhaven and, for the last 10 years of his career, Gulfport High School. His marching and concert bands earned consistent superior ratings. As he finished the last concert before his retirement, the mayor of Gulfport declared May 1 as “Zachary Harris Day.”

Harris didn’t stay retired for long. Since 2017, he has played to his strength as an adjunct at WCU’s Winters School of Music. He mentors music education majors as they get their first hands-on experience at middle and high schools as close as Hattiesburg and as far away as Mobile. He also conducts WCU’s Symphonic Winds.

"Having an educator of Mr. Harris’s caliber in the Winters School of Music shows William Carey's commitment as a leader in music education. It’s a blessing for our students to learn from his experience. He’s a longtime colleague and I'm proud to call him a fellow Crusader!" said Travis Coakley, chair of instrumental activities and music education.

For more about Winters School of Music, visit wmcarey.edu/music.