by Chloe Jordan | Editor-In-Chief

Head Band Director Jarrett Lipman will be resigning after January 31, as announced at a Band Parent Association meeting and in an email to parents. 

According to the email, Lipman hopes to continue his work as a clinician. Additionally, there is a dropdown menu on his website where people can book a band clinic with him.

“Well, honestly, I’m happy for him because he’s pursuing something that he really wants to pursue. He’s been band director for a while, so I mean I think he’s run his course,” senior and drumline section leader Nolan Klein said. “I’m a little bit indifferent because I’m leaving, and he’s not going to be here next year but I won’t be here next year. Whoever’s next – they got some big shoes to fill.”

Lipman has been shaping the extensive band program since 2008, after moving on from the band program at Reagan.

“I think there will be a lot of change, if I’m going to be honest. I think the way he runs rehearsals is really effective. Yes, it’ll change, but I think it’ll adapt also,” Klein said. “This band program has been pretty relentless and adaptive over the years, so I think whoever fills his shoes, they can’t be the same but it’ll be okay.”

He has recently earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UTSA. His website also details his mission statement and views of local politics. Student sources say he plans to run for a position on City Council in District Nine.

“I kind of suspected it last year because there was just a lot of talk about it, but it was really this year when he started solidifying things about it,” Klein said. “Saying he was going to start his campaign in January and start transitioning out of the band director in January.”

He also runs both a public and a private Facebook page, along with other social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter. 

“The CTJ Band is a part of my fabric – I have grown up alongside the program, and I am so thankful for every opportunity and experience we have shared,” Lipman said in the email to parents. “I love the program with all my heart.”

Lipman was not available at press time for an interview.