On Tuesday, when her resignation as director was approved, it was her peers and longtime supporters who stood up to show their respect.

Murray received a lengthy standing ovation during a meeting of the Jamestown Public Schools Board. In tear-filled remarks, the 2001 JHS graduate said the decision to step down at the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year was “one of the hardest” of her life.

“As a student, the program gave me a sense of belonging and taught me many skills I still carry with me today,” she said. “Ultimately, being part of the Jamestown High School band showed me my passion and led me to my career in music education. It has, and always will, hold a special place in my heart, and it has been an honor and privilege to direct the marching band for 18 years.”

Murray will continue in her role as the high school’s director of bands.

Murray is pictured in June 2023 conducting the band at Jamestown High School’s commencement ceremony at Chautauqua Institution. Submitted photo

During Tuesday’s meeting, she acknowledged the many families she has met over the years as well as the “amazing students” and staff who brought success to the marching band program.

“It truly takes a village,” she said. “Moving on from this is bitter-sweet, but it’s time and I know it is the right decision for myself and my family.”

More than a dozen people attended the school board meeting to support Murray.

Jamestown resident Richard Dixon noted the importance of the marching band program and recognized Murray for her dedication that has lasted nearly two decades.

Dixon said both of his children “had a wonderful experience” at Jamestown High School that included participation in marching band.

“I wish you well as you post your position for the Jamestown High School competitive marching band director,” he told school board members. “It will be tough shoes to fill but I know you’re up to the task.”

From 2006 to 2009, Murray served as co-director with Marc Lentsch, who now serves as the band director at Persell Middle School. She became the sole director in 2009.

While at the helm, Murray helped guide the marching band program to Large School 2 state titles in 2014, 2015 and 2018. Under her leadership, the high school marching band also participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City in 2010 and in Chicago in 2017.

“I can attest, as a south side resident, that I reap the benefits on my back deck of Ms. Murray and all of her students’ hard work,” Paul Abbott, school board president, said Tuesday. “Certainly, we appreciate everything that you’ve done, and I think some of the people who are here tonight are a tribute to that.”

School board member Frank Galeazzo, who expressed frustration with how Murray’s resignation was handled last month, praised the longtime band director for “her 18 years of passion and dedication” while overseeing the program.

“The JHS marching band excelled under your leadership with many trips and parades,” said Galeazzo, listing her accomplishments that has included leading performances in the nationally televised Citrus Parade and Mickey’s Once Upon a ChristmasTime Parade at Walt Disney World. Her bands would return to Disney in 2012 and 2014, and again in 2019 when it performed in the Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve Parade.

“I know you’re not going anywhere and I can’t wait to see what things you have in store for the JHS band program,” Galeazzo said. “Thank you, Meghan, for being a mentor and someone to look up to for my kids and all the JHS students over the years.”

School board members Joseph Pawelski and Nina Karbacka also congratulated the outgoing director.

Dr. Kevin Whitaker, district superintendent, said much of what Murray accomplished as band director fell outside the eyes of the general public.

“I wanted to recognize the hours and stresses that go into the creation of a product — that is beautiful and short and well-rehearsed — are far greater than anyone realizes,” Whitaker said. “So I just want to thank Meghan for all of the non-visible, the invisible hours, the background hours, the prepping, planning, practicing and teaching that you’ve done for so long. It is very difficult for people who don’t do it to understand the work that you’ve put in.”

Abrielle Monaghan and Karlee Rock, student representatives on the school board, said some concerns had been raised regarding the program’s future when Murray’s upcoming departure was announced last month.

“They want it to remain competitive because they don’t think that people will want to participate as much if it’s not,” Monaghan said of band member concerns.

With the resignation approved, the district confirmed that a search for a new marching band director will “commence immediately.” Murray, while still the high school’s director of bands, reassured families that she will help make the transition as smooth as possible.