24-05-2025
PV says goodbye to Dye, welcomes Bennett
ANDOVER TOWNSHIP — Pymatuning Valley High School band director Justin Dye is leaving one familiar place for another, after more than eight years at his alma mater, leading music programs including the high school band.
'It is very bittersweet. I will be the director of bands a Malone University,' Dye said of his move to his college alma mater. He is a 2015 graduate of the Canton school and he will be trying to redevelop the music program by leading the symphonic and jazz bands, as well as teaching music classes.
Dye said the number of participants in the music programs are low. He will be driving to Malone three times a week and spending two days recruiting students in northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania, he said.
'I already have a relationship with a lot of band directors [in both states],' he said.
'I will miss the students and the class time,' Dye said. He said some of the students he has taught for eight straight years.
To replace Dye, the Pymatuning Valley Local Schools conducted an exhaustive search, PVHS Principal Mark Mollohan said.
He said new band director Brendan Bennett recently graduated from YSU and is scheduled to be married this summer.
'We had close to 25 applications, we interviewed nine in-person and brought three back to meet the kids to teach a lesson,' Mollohan said.
He said Bennett had an amazing rapport with the students, and it became clear he was the choice.
Mollohan said Bennett is from Minerva, a rural community similar to Andover, and understands the situation.
He said Bennett also plays in a jazz rock band, and will be able to bring that experience to the students, as well.
