Sherry Poteet

Class of 2026

Sherry Poteet was born and raised in the Northeast Texas town of Clarksville to R.L. and Linda Poteet. From an early age, Sherry was high-spirited, curious, and eager to try new things.

Music was an important part of her upbringing. One of her earliest memories was attending a local Christmas parade with her mother. As the band marched by, Sherry pushed through the crowd just to be closer. The steady pulse of the bass drum sparked her interest, and by the time she signed up for fifth grade band, she knew she wanted to be a part of making music.

Unsure of what she wanted to play, she agreed to the clarinet, knowing only that the instrument she had in mind started with a “c”. When the case opened to reveal five pieces, she realized she had chosen something entirely different. What followed were the familiar beginner sounds of squeaks and squawks, but also the start of a lifelong passion.

Under the direction of Ben Fowzer and Denny Whitley, Sherry thrived. She served as drum major of the Clarksville Tiger Band her junior and senior years and performed in musicals, jazz band, UIL Solo and Ensemble, and All-Region auditions. Band became central to her identity.

Entering college, band directing was not her original goal, opting instead to teach elementary education. Recognizing her potential, Mr. Whitley encouraged her to audition for a music scholarship at Paris Junior College. Studying under the exceptional music teachers at PJC proved pivotal, and she earned an Associate of Science degree while completing all music coursework.

When forced to declare a major, band directing was not a consideration until her mother posed the following questions: “Why don’t you become a band director?” After dismissing her suggestion, her mother followed up with, “Who are your friends, and what do you have in common?” The answer was obvious, and no more questions were needed. Sherry then transferred to East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University-Commerce), earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education.

Sherry began her career in Winnsboro as the middle school band director. After two years, Sherry applied at Pittsburg, was offered the middle school band position, and found the guidance and mentorship needed provided by Scott Williams, Larry Edge, and Greg Rose, who instilled in her the skills and mindset to excel as a band director. In 2000, she moved to Gilmer, working alongside Eric Gray and Brandon Garmon in a collaborative environment that fostered ongoing growth and refinement of her instructional techniques.

After retiring from public education in 2012, Sherry continued her work in music education. She taught at Kilgore College and later joined Stephen F. Austin State University as a field supervisor for student teachers. She remains active as a clinician, consultant, and mentor, firmly believing that band directors never really retire.

During her thirty-year career, her bands consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes awards, ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series honors, and TMEA Area qualifications. She has served as a clinician and adjudicator across Texas and surrounding states and presented at conferences for ATSSB, TBA, and TMEA. She also served on the ATSSB State Board as CC Middle School Representative.

In 2022, Sherry received the Texas Bandmasters Association Meritorious Achievement Award, recognizing her lasting impact on music education. Additional honors include Teacher of the Year (three times), Camp and Upshur County Educator of the Year, and Who’s Who Among Teachers. She is a member of Phi Beta Mu, TMAA, TMEA, TBA, ATSSB, and Women Band Directors International.

Beyond her career, Sherry is dedicated to her faith and service. She serves as an elder at Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church and has participated in mission work in Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, Belize, and across the United States, sharing music with children in each community.

Sherry expresses deep gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, family, and students who shaped her journey. She offers special thanks to Denny Whitley for his lasting guidance and encouragement, and to the Hall of Fame selection committee for this incredible honor.

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