MURRAY – For the fifth consecutive year, the Murray High School (MHS) Tiger Band was named grand champion at the Festival of Champions on Saturday, beating out 17 competitors from four states. Performing their show “From Dusk ‘til Dawn,” the 124-member group swept the awards for Class AAA and won best overall brass, music performance, visual performance and general effect with a score of 82.40.
The reserve grand champion title went to Christian County High School with 80.35 points. The Calloway County High School Laker Band also competed Saturday, placing seventh with a score of 72.55.
The Murray Tiger Band (MTB) has been named grand champion of the annual competition hosted by the Murray State University Racer Band every year since 2019, except 2020, when the contest was canceled due to COVID.
Since 2021, MTB has been on a winning streak, not just regionally but also on the state and national levels. They brought home state titles in their class from the KMEA (Kentucky Music Educators Association) State Marching Band Championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024. In 2021 and 2024, they were named Class A National Champion at the Bands of America Grand National Championship.
As for this season, MTB has competed in three contests and earned the top award every time, beating 12 other bands at the Franklin Simpson Marching Contest in early September and another 12 at the Christian County Tournament of Bands two weeks ago.
Saturday’s victory capped an emotional week for MTB members, who learned Wednesday that MHS Band Director Tim Zeiss resigned. MHS Principal Tony Jarvis sent an email to parents that afternoon, which read, in part:
I want to take a moment to share some important news regarding the Murray High School Band. After leading the Murray band for a number of years, Mr. Tim Zeiss has made the decision to resign from his teaching position and as band director.
I know Mr. Zeiss has been a meaningful part of this program, and his leadership has had a significant impact on many of our students and families. While this decision likely comes as a shock to many of you, I want you to hear this clearly: your students are deeply cared for and supported here at Murray High School. Our MHS counselors along with other support staff will be available for students as we move forward with school and band operations.
What has always stood out is their love for what they do and the way they represent this school with dedication and spirit. That does not change. The entire Murray community remains incredibly proud of our band students – their accomplishments, their commitment, and their teamwork. That pride will continue, no matter what.
According to an email to stakeholders Murray Independent School District (MISD) Superintendent David Meinschein sent on Thursday, Zeiss’ resignation was related to connections between the band and Jason Shelby, a former teacher who was arrested on Sept. 10 and charged with rape and sexual abuse for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student in 2008 and 2009.
On Sept. 15, Meinschein put out a statement regarding Shelby’s arrest, which read, in part:
Firstly, I want to take a moment to express the pride I have in the Murray Independent School District (MISD) and community of Murray and Calloway County. MISD has long been known for Tradition, Pride, and Excellence in all things. With that, there are times within an organization that are not positive or are counter to the organization’s vision. For MISD, the vision is Every Student, Every Day.
Recently, Jason Shelby a former teacher, academic coach, and band assistant was arrested and is facing charges of third-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse based on an allegation of a sexual relationship with a former MISD student in 2008 and 2009. Mr. Shelby resigned his teaching position and voluntarily surrendered his teaching certificate in 2018 and 2019 respectively. However, Mr. Shelby’s company Total Visual Design LLC, was used in recent years to provide band uniforms and drill writing services.
The events leading to these charges have had a profound impact on many people in our community and school system. Families, students, community, and staff, I want you to know that the district prioritizes the recognition of the victims and is committed to continuing creating an environment where students and staff feel comfortable sharing their experiences ensuring a culture of silence does not exist.
The email Meinschein sent on Thursday explained the events that preceded Zeiss’ resignation. It read, in part:
Following the arrest of Mr. Jason Shelby, a former teacher at Murray High School, I was informed that the Murray High School Tiger Band was involved in contractual obligations for services with Mr. Shelby, and his company Total Visual Design. These concerns surrounding the Murray Independent School District’s involvement with Mr. Shelby and Total Visual Design prompted further discussion with Mr. Tim Zeiss, Murray High School Teacher and Band Director.
On Monday September 15, 2025, MISD began evaluating these concerns. On September 24, 2025, Mr. Zeiss submitted his resignation from the MISD.
Through the course of this evaluation, it was determined that Mr. Zeiss historically failed to follow multiple directives from MISD administration to not utilize the services of Mr. Shelby, or any affiliated companies, for the Murray High School Tiger Band. It was determined that between 2018 and 2025, the sum of $78,464.94 was paid to Total Visual Design, LLC. Such actions constituted insubordination under District Policy and applicable law.
MISD Leadership is acutely aware of the historical impact that prior allegations and current charges against Mr. Shelby have had on our current and former students, our school system as a whole and our community. We remain deeply concerned about our students’ well-being now and going forward. Our support for the Murray High Tiger Band students is unwavering.Their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. We look forward to watching them continue marching towards another victory at the Murray State Festival of Champions this Saturday.
In an interview later that afternoon, Meinschein told The Sentinel that Zeiss was suspended with pay on Sept. 15.
“I think you see my concern,” Meinschein said Thursday. “I say ‘we’ in this letter, but my concern is about student well-being as we move forward. That’s why we exist; that’s why I exist. And I do think it’s important that we recognize the hard work and dedication of those students. You know, they’re right in the middle of their season. They’re competing this weekend at Murray State University Festival of Champions, and we have to provide them the support. Our students have done nothing wrong. They’re wonderful, hard-working young men and women.”
Hunter Carter was named interim band director. He previously served as MHS’ assistant band director and remains the choir director and Murray Middle School band director.
“He has our full support,” Meinschein said of Carter. “We will support him and compensate him appropriately and make sure that he has what he needs to be successful because that’s truly an imperative for me that he has what he needs so he can help kids and lead them to more wins as a band.”
Back at Roy Stewart Stadium on Saturday, after the band posed for a group photo with the current MTB staff, Zeiss walked on the field. The students, who had not seen him for nearly two weeks, quickly surrounded their former director. Zeiss addressed the group briefly, congratulating them on their victory.
MTB parent Nichole White captured the moment on video.
Zeiss declined to make a statement for this article.
Editor’s note: This reporter is the parent of an MHS band member. To ensure accuracy and fairness, this article was reviewed by an independent editor outside The Sentinel prior to publication.
