Saxophonist Gary Meggs joins Henderson State music faculty

Gary Meggs, left, and Nevada Mills, director of bands at Henderson State

Gary Meggs, an accomplished and award-winning music educator and saxophone player, has joined the Henderson State University music faculty as an adjunct professor.

Meggs is a Henderson alumnus who was mentored by the legendary Earl Hesse during his studies at HSU. He has spent more than 40 years as a music educator, receiving numerous awards for his concert, marching, and jazz bands in Texas and Arkansas.

"I cannot believe after all the years, I am back at Henderson - a dream-come-true for me and my wife Katrina, who is also a Henderson music alum," Meggs said. "My professors at Henderson, Wendell Evanson, Dr. Hesse, and many others, gave me the best music career opportunity that anyone could ever receive.

"I hope I am lucky enough to make that kind of impact for as many students as possible during my time at Henderson State. Working at my alma mater is one of my highest honors ever."

Nevada Mills, director of bands at Henderson, said the addition of Meggs is "huge" for the music department.

"We have someone who is a leading expert in his craft of the saxophone, and someone who has a long-standing relationship with the band directors of Arkansas and Texas," Mills said. "Having Gary's experience and connections will help Henderson grow exponentially, and having him available to recruit allows us to reach out to twice as many band programs."

Mills said Meggs has spent many years in the public school systems in Arkansas and Texas, and his knowledge will be "invaluable" to Henderson band students.

"For me, having another director on staff allows me to collaborate with someone who has been through the same type of experience," Mills said. "And his expertise on the saxophone adds depth to our woodwind instruction here at Henderson."

Meggs got his start in music at an early age. In 1972, he heard the Henderson State Jazz Band, featuring Hesse, perform at his high school.

"When Earl stood up and played a killer improvised solo, I immediately knew that's what I wanted to do," Meggs said.

After receiving military training, Meggs enrolled at Henderson, and Hesse became his life-long mentor and friend who "changed my life forever."

Meggs has released many albums over the years as a solo artist in the jazz and Christian genres. In 2019, he was selected by Grammy as one of the top 25 music educators in the United States. Meggs was inducted into the Four States Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame for his work as both an artist and an educator.

He has toured with well-known big bands including the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Harry James Orchestra. He has played with notable artists including Lou Marini, Doc Severinson, and Tom "Bones" Malone, among many others.

Meggs will be working with jazz ensembles this summer at HSU Band Camp June 17-21. For more information about band camp, go to hsu.edu/bandcamp.