Larry Mattox
Larry Mattox received his B.A. and M.A. Degrees in Music from the University of Northern Iowa. He taught instrumental music in Iowa for six years before coming to Hemet as the High School Band Director in 1962.At Hemet High School, he had a successful concert and marching band program winning top awards throughout Southern California. In 1969 he initiated the Hemet High Jazz program taking top awards in California and Reno Jazz Festivals.
He has also taught at Mt. San Jacinto College and was responsible for organizing the Mt. San Jacinto Jazz Ensemble in 1974.Mattox is a professional woodwind musician and has performed with many artists and celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughn, Henry Mancini, and George Burns. For several years he played woodwinds in the Performance Riverside Orchestra and the Performance Riverside Big Band.
In 2003 Larry received the first Lifetime Commitment to the Arts Award from the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce. Larry retired in 1993 and continued playing in local bands. He is still active as a professional musician and plays clarinet or saxophone in the Mt. San Jacinto Concert Band.