Meghan Murray, director of Jamestown High School's marching band program, submitted her resignation Tuesday. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

A longtime representative and supporter of Jamestown High School’s marching band program is stepping down.

The Jamestown Public Schools District on Tuesday received the resignation of director Meghan Murray.

Dr. Kevin Whitaker, district superintendent, said the school’s music department was “in the process of reworking the program” due to Murray’s departure.

“We sometimes have to make transitions when it’s appropriate for kids,” he said following Tuesday’s school board meeting. “At one point, we didn’t have a competitive marching band and, at another point, we did. We have to respond to what our kids are able to do and what we can staff. We’ll have discussions within the music department and make decisions moving forward.”

Murray, who has been at Jamestown Public Schools since 2006, will continue to serve in her instructional role as director of bands at the high school.

She spoke with The Post-Journal in October 2022 regarding the marching band program and its extra-curricular impact on students.

“For me, it’s all about giving kids an opportunity and creating an experience for them that they would not otherwise have,” said Murray, who has been involved with marching band for more than 18 years. She also was drum major when she attended Jamestown High School as a student.

Louis Deppas, the high school’s marching band director from 1980 to 2000, spoke during Tuesday’s school board meeting and encouraged the “preservation and continuation of the competitive marching band program.”

He noted that few school districts outside Jamestown can boast about the quality of its music and sports programs.

“I am hoping you will do everything in your power to maintain and preserve the high quality of the competitive marching band,” Deppas told the school board. “I firmly believe it has been one of the ‘crown jewels’ of the Jamestown School District for many decades, as well as the community at large.”

He added, “Thousands of students have benefited from their participation in the competitive aspect of this program.”

Deppas said the 2024-25 school year marks the 100th anniversary of the band and choir programs at Jamestown High School.

“As you consider the future of the Jamestown High School Marching Band program, please remember the immeasurable benefits it provided to both past and present students at Jamestown High School,” he said. “Please consider future students as well as the quality of life within the community at large, and the tremendous value in sustaining the proud legacy and strong character of the Jamestown High School Marching Band.”

Whitaker said he understands Deppas’ position and praised the former marching band director’s “great success” with the program spanning 20 years.

With the resignation submitted, Whitaker said the district will post for the director position. “We’ll see who applies and then interview,” he said.