Jeff Coffin, who started playing saxophone as a youngster in Dexter, was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Dave Matthews Band. Photo by Rodrigo Simas

Saxophonist Jeff Coffin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October as a member of the Dave Matthews Band. Coffin, 59, has been in the group since 2009. He lived in Dexter as a youngster, from second through eighth grades, and credits a music teacher there with helping to spark his passion for his instrument. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and teaches jazz saxophone at Vanderbilt University.

What was your first thought when you heard you were going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

My first thought was, ‘What am I going to wear?’ No, I’m just kidding. My first feeling was really joy. I was in Florence, Italy, with the band and I was hanging out with Rashawn Ross at the hotel when we found out. We were both pretty elated and very thankful that our moms would be able to attend. It’s obviously a huge honor, and I’m extremely grateful to be included. I never dreamed of this when I was young.

Did they ask for anything from you to put in the Hall? 

Yes. I have a Yamaha tenor sax in there with a fantastic engraving by Tomoji Hirakata from Yamaha in New York. I sent him a design of what I was looking for, and he made it better and really knocked it out of the park. It’s a beautiful piece of art, and I am thrilled beyond words to have it in there.

Who was the first person in Maine you called when you found out? 

I don’t think I called anyone specifically in Maine. But the first person I thought of was my first band director (in Dexter), Arthur Lagassee. He was the guy who started everything, and his initials are engraved into the horn that is now in the Hall of Fame. Without his guidance as an early musician, I never would’ve been playing the saxophone. He definitely fanned the flame and supported me at every turn. Even after we moved away before high school, we stayed in touch until his passing from ALS a number of years ago. He was a dear friend, and I am eternally grateful.

What was the coolest thing about the induction ceremony? 

The coolest thing was having my mom there. You know, a mom‘s love … She’s been incredibly supportive over the years and is just a joy to be around. I think my favorite photograph from the whole weekend is with her and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy. Who would’ve thought?

What was it like seeing the plaque in the Hall of Fame, with the band’s name on it? 

Honestly, it was a little surreal. The craziest thing for me was walking through the exhibit and seeing all the others enshrined there. That my name is included is pretty overwhelming, to be honest.