Lloyd Harris, Jr. has been music educator for fifty years in the New Orleans area.  He is a member of Louisiana Music Educator’s Hall of Fame, winner of the New Orleans Public School teaching award, a composer, teacher, musician and someone who has left his mark on the music of New Orleans.  To celebrate this long and storied career, friends have put together an anniversary celebration June 23.

A 1962 graduate of Xavier University, Harris has spent his entire career teaching young people.  He has produced school band recordings at McDonough 35 and the Alfred Lawless Junior High.  His awards are too numerous to mention here, but none of them would have been possible had it not been for his dedication to teaching the art of music to young people.  Cynthia Alice Dolliole, a former student said, “Many students are indebted to Mr. Harris for getting us involved in the love of music and education. Thanks to him and my wonderful mother, I am a music educator today . “   She is just one of thousands of students who have benefitted from Harris’ skill, love and commitment over the years.

The music of New Orleans may be written by a number of recording and performing artists, but it is educators like Harris who help form and mold the lives of these musicians.  Harris is one in a long line of New Orleans educators who have made the music of this area important to the city and American culture.

To celebrate this illustrious career his friends and former students are sponsoring this anniversary celebration at the Crystal Palace on Chef Hwy, June 23 at 7 p.m.  Those interested in attending can get tickets by calling 504-239-9571 or by email:  dwightfitch51@yahoo.com.