Are you overwhelmed with balancing ambitious community expectations and realistic program success? Come update your toolkit with the ready-to-use recruiting, fundraising, scheduling, ally building, and growth strategies. Your next level of program success is closer than you think.
Zachary Harris
- Biographical Information
Zachary Harris is in his 31st year of teaching band in Mississippi. He is currently Director of Bands at the Gulfport School District. He oversees all of the instrumental wind and percussion programs for the district. He conducts the Symphonic Band, teaches the music for the marching band and serves as Department Chairperson. Mr. Harris, received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi Valley State University and his Masters of Music Education degree from the University of Mississippi. He is a member of Mississippi Bandmasters Association Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, National Fedration High School Music Association, American School Band Directors Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Harris has served on regional, state and national level music committees. In 2005, Zachary was the guest conductor for the Mississippi All-State Concert Band. Mr. Harris' bands have received All Superior ratings consistently for the last 25 years. Since Mr. Harris has been at Gulfport, the band has increased to marching, symphonic, concert band I, concert band II, jazz band, indoor guard and percussion, and basketball pep band.
Mr. Harris has many accomplishments including Administrator of the Year, Star Teacher, Band Director of the Year for District and State. In March 2016, his Gulfport Symphonic Band performed at the Music for All National Concert Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cameron W. Jenkins is currently the Director of Bands at Bayou View Middle School in Gulfport, Mississippi. In May of 2012, he graduated summa cum laude as the highest ranked graduate with a 4.0 GPA from Alcorn State University. After graduation, Jenkins attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi to pursue a Master’s degree in Music Education. During his time in Oxford, he explored the topic of “Academic Hazing in Music Education.” His research has stimulated a national conversation regarding the presence of academic bullying in graduate music programs. In 2014, he was inducted into Golden Key International Honors Society and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. In his community, Cameron is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Autism Speaks, author, speaker and church planter.
Dorshandrell "Dee Dee" Pitts is in her 13th year of teaching band in Mississippi. She is currently in her ninth year with the Gulfport School District where she serves as the Assistant Director of Bands for Gulfport High School. She conducts the Concert Band, teaches music for the marching band, and oversees the middle school programs within the district. Before her current position, she served as Director of Bands for Gulfport Central Middle School.
Ms. Pitts received her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Delta State University and her Masters of Music in Conducting Degree from the American Band College through Southern Oregon University. She is also a National Board Certified teacher. Ms. Pitts is a member of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, American School Band Director's Association, Gulf Coast Band Director's Association where she serves as President, and Phi Beta Mu.
Ms. Pitts has served as a guest clinician throughout the state of Mississippi and surrounding areas, and has consistently produced Superior bands throughout her career. She has an active private studio and is the lead Trombonist for the Coast Big Band. Ms. Pitts has earned several awards including Teacher of the Year for Gulfport Central Middle School and Gulfport School District as well as Band Director of the Year for the Gulf Coast.