Murray State University Music Department

Last weekend, the Department of Music lost one of its giants. Longtime Director of Bands, Dennis Johnson, passed away on Saturday, May 23. For all of us who have worked with Dennis, made music with Dennis (thousands of Murray State students and more thousands around the world), or had the pleasure of getting to know Dennis over the years, he will always hold a special place in our hearts. A celebration of life will be on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 2pm at St, John’s Episcopal Church, Murray, KY. For more information, please visit: https://obits.jhchurchill.com/mr-dennis-johnson

The chair of the Department of Music, our very own Dr. D', managed to catch a picture with a number of our graduates last week. Congrats to all the music grads, we are all proud of your hard work!

Today's next featured graduate is another who has been hired before graduation! Congrats, Layla!

Today's first featured grad is Noah Padgett. Congrats, Noah!

The Murray State Bands are excited to host the Inaugural Performance of the Jackson Purchase Youth Wind Orchestra this Sunday, May 10th, at 2:30PM in Lovett Auditorium. Come hear these outstanding youth instrumentalists perform some challenging repertoire!

Our next feature grad for today is Avery Bryant. Congrats, Avery!

Today's first featured graduate is Airen Yocum. Congrats, Airen!

Our third feature grad for today is Nicole Payne. Go do great things, Nicole!

Our next featured graduate for today is Alyssa Shrader. Alyssa was hired prior to graduation and will continue the work she started in her internship! Congrats, Alyssa!

It's so great to see our fantastic students go out into the world, but we're always a little sad to see them go too. Go do great things, Hannah!