Zelia N. Breaux (February 6, 1880 – October 31, 1956) was an American music instructor and musician who played the trumpet, violin and piano.

She had a wide influence on many musicians including Charlie Christian and Jimmy Rushing, as well as novelist Ralph Ellison.

She established the choral society, a glee club and the school band, requiring students to study classical music.

[4] In 1918, Breaux left Langston and accepted the position as Supervisor of Music for the segregated African American schools in Oklahoma City.

[5] Through their national appearances, the band influenced a wide range of musicians including Eubie Blake, Charlie Christian, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Rushing, Noble Sissle, and Sherman Sneed.

In 1933[1] the band led the Century of Progress Parade at the Chicago World's Fair[10] and they performed for a national radio broadcast while there.

[1] Breaux earned a master's degree in music education from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 1939.

[1] The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society made a posthumous presentation of its Pathmaker Award to Zelia Breaux at its luncheon on September 9, 2017.