About Marsha
Flutist & Music Director
Marsha M. Meekins (Cheatham) is a seasoned musician with deep roots in Richmond, Virginia. She has had a distinguished career as a flutist and educator, spanning over 40 years. After earning a degree in Public School Music from Virginia State University, she dedicated 20 years to teaching instrumental music in Virginia's public schools. She later served as a UniServ Director for the Maryland State Education Association for another two decades before retiring and returning to Richmond.
A professional jazz flutist for over 42 years, Marsha has a versatile style that includes classical, gospel, jazz, blues, and reggae music. She leads her own jazz band, Marsha Meekins and Company, and is actively involved in community and church music ministries. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found creative ways to continue performing, such as Front Porch and online concerts.
Marsha remains an influential figure in her community and the music scene, continuing to perform and lead musical projects with passion and dedication.
Accomplishments
- Began playing jazz with guitarist/percussionist Jim Coles.
- Studied improvisation with pianist Debo Dabney.
- Became member of The Richmond Jazz Society which encouraged her to "sit in" on jam sessions.
- Played first professional gig in 1981 with “Chapter Two,” a four-piece jazz ensemble.
- Organized first band, “Wave” in 1982.
- Started an all-female jazz ensemble in 1983- “The Jazz Ladies;”
- Performed and recorded with two all-female reggae bands- “Jah Spirit” and “Ruff and Mellow."
- Played with “The Jazz Connection” in VA. and “B-More All-Stars” in MD.
- Formed “The Jazz Connection Two” in 1996 which became The Marsha Meekins Project in 1998.
- Recorded first solo project in 2002. Spiritual Meditations.
- Formed The Marsha Meekins & Company Jazz Band in Richmond, VA in 2015.