Homewood Patriot Band

Ryan Murrell, a native of Homewood, Alabama, graduated from Homewood High School in 2003. During his high school years, he distinguished himself as a member of the Homewood Patriot Band, under the guidance of Ron Pence. As a high school student, Mr. Murrell proudly marched in prestigious events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade, and many other performances.

Following his high school graduation, Mr. Murrell pursued his undergraduate studies at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. During his tenure at JSU, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Liberal Arts. As a trumpet player, he actively participated in the JSU Marching Southerners, eventually ascending to the position of Drum Major. Additionally, he engaged in various musical ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and the JSU Brass Quintet. Mr. Murrell’s commitment to music led him to help establish the Mu Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi: Honorary Music Fraternity. In March 2009, he assumed the role of Chapter President, a position he held until his graduation. While at JSU, under the mentorship of esteemed instructors such as Dr. Cameron “Chip” Crotts and Dr. John Merriman, Mr. Murrell was able to polish his trumpet skills. He further developed his conducting abilities under the guidance of Dr. Kenneth Bodiford and Mr. Jeremy Stovall.

In pursuit of his professional goals, Mr. Murrell pursued his Master of Arts degree in Music Education and his Education Specialist degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently, he is diligently working towards completing his Doctorate in Education Leadership from USM. 

Mr. Murrell commenced his teaching career in Roanoke, Alabama, at Handley High School as the Interim Band Director in 2011. Subsequently in 2012, he assumed the position of Band Director at Calera High School in Calera, Alabama. During his time at Calera, the band achieved numerous Superior Ratings in marching band competitions, secured victories in several parade band competitions, and was selected to represent Alabama in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013. Upon concluding his first year, he was appointed Director of Bands at Baldwin High School and Fine Arts Director of Baldwin County Schools, serving in these roles from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure, he organized band excursions to Disney World and the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois, which garnered a televised audience of 1.3 million viewers. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing Baldwin County Schools’ recognition by NAMM (National Association for Music Merchants), which designated Milledgeville as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in 2016.

Following this, Mr. Murrell dedicated a year to the position of Director of Bands at Sylacauga High School and subsequently served as the Assistant Director of Bands for Gadsden City High School in Gadsden, Alabama, for a period of two years. He also provided consulting services to the WGI Indoor group Point Winds in West Point, Georgia, during their competition season.

Since 2019, Ryan Murrell has held the position of Band Director at Homewood Middle School and Assistant Director at Homewood High School. Notably, more than one-third of the school population is actively involved in the band.

Mr. Murrell is a member of both the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Additionally, he holds the distinction of being a Jupiter Instrument Educator.

Mr. Murrell is married to his lifelong companion and wife, Wendy, and they have a son named Alex.