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Gary Parks

Gary Parks writes and arranges for band, for solo, ensemble, and multi-percussion, as well as for voice, both educational and sacred. His works are published by Alfred Publishing Company, TRN Music Publisher, BriLee Music Publishing Company, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Grand Mesa Music Publishers, Lindsborg Press, GIA Publications, Inc., Imagine Music, and Dutch Music Partners. His arrangement of Deux Chansons for orchestra and voice was presented at the 2004 Christmas performance of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. His 2006 arrangement for concert band, Two Evening Carols, is on Band World Magazine’s “Top 100” list for 2005-2006.

Gary Parks has been the principal percussionist for the Symphony of Southeast Texas since 1978, and is the percussion instructor for Lamar University. He serves as music director for the First Christian Church of Beaumont. His career in public education began in 1970, in classes ranging from high school and middle school choral music, to elementary music and art. Gary has performed as soloist and chamber musician in the faculty artists’ series for Lamar University, as well as percussionist for many civic performances.

Gary holds a Master in Music Education from McNeese State University, where he studied with Dr. Bill Groves. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Theory and Composition, and Percussion in 1970 at Lamar State College, which is now Lamar University. Many people at Lamar were influential in Gary’s musical career, including his father, George Parks, then music department chair. Gary’s instructors there included Dr. Charles “Pete” Wiley and Prof. Paul Holmes.

Gary was born in Louisiana, but “got to Texas as quick as he could,” and has lived most of his life in Southeast Texas. He now lives in Lumberton, Texas with his wife, Cathryne, who works with him as lyricist.