A new era is underway for the Marion School District band program, but its tradition of excellence remains unchanged.
With the departure of Monty Hill earlier this year, Kristen Shepherd has been tabbed as the district’s new Director of Bands. Shepherd has served as an Assistant Band Director with the district since 2022.
Joining Shepherd in the band program’s new-look leadership team are Andrew Coleman, who will lead the Marion Junior High Band program; Doug Young, who will be an Assistant Director for the high school; and Ethan Andrews, who will be a junior high Assistant Director. All three are continuing with the Marion Band program.
Two additional assistant directors will also be hired.
The moves come in response to the departures of Monty and Valerie Hill, who have led the band program since 2020. In February, Monty left Marion to assume the role of Director of Bands at his alma mater, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. His wife, Valerie, will retire at the end of the school year.
“We have enormous pride in our band program here at Marion, and we are deeply grateful to the Hills for the leadership they have provided and the standard of excellence they helped establish,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “At the same time, we are very confident in the future of the program under Ms. Shepherd’s leadership. Kristen has been an important part of our band’s success, and she brings outstanding experience, pedigree, talent, and vision to this role.”
Before stepping into the lead role, Shepherd had already built an extensive resume in music education, serving in leadership positions at both the middle and high school levels across Arkansas for more than a decade. In addition to her time as Marion’s assistant band director, her background includes previous Director of Bands roles in Fort Smith and Melbourne, along with instructional experience with a nationally recognized drum and bugle corps.
Shepherd, who is also the daughter of Monty and Valerie, holds a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and a master’s from the University of New Mexico.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead this program,” Shepherd said. “Marion Band has such a strong tradition of excellence, and that’s something I’ve been proud to be a part of. I care deeply about these students, this staff, and this community, and I’m excited to continue building on the foundation that’s already in place. We have so much talent in this program, and I’m looking forward to seeing what our students will accomplish in the years ahead.”
Families and local residents have two upcoming opportunities to see the Marion Band in action. On Monday, April 27, MHS band students will present their spring concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Marion Performing Arts Center. Then, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, MJHS and 7GA band students will have their concert, also at the MPAC. Both events are free.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.