Assistant choir director Randall Frye announced today that he will be leaving Lawrence High School to be the head choir director at Liberty Central Middle School. 

“This was something that I needed to do for me and for my career,” Frye said in an announcement on his Instagram. “I’m still going to be teaching students, I’m still going to be making music. I’m ready to start my own program, work with my own program, and be my own boss.” 

The decision to move to Central is an opportunity for Frye to grow as a musician and teacher, and many are excited for his potential at the middle school level.

“His departure will be sad for everyone in the choir department,” junior Cassidy Dunn said. “It will be like we lost someone from our little choir family, but it is great for him and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes!”

In his six years at LHS, Frye founded ROAR, a vocal pop a cappella ensemble, became a leader of LINK Crew, and worked with the Total Equality Alliance (TEA) club. 

“Please know I won’t be a stranger,” Frye said. “I’ll be around Lawrence High to visit, I’ll be at football games, I’ll be at concerts, I will be there, you will still see me.”

Even in his short time here, Frye was able to make lasting impacts on his students. Randall Frye was a part of many different choir opportunities for students such as ROAR, all five regular school-day choirs, individual and ensemble competitions, and NCDA summer camps. 

“Mr. Frye has been a really big influence on me,” junior Sam Lopez said. “He is one of the teachers I am closest with. He really pushes me to work hard, believe in myself, and be the best version of myself. Because of him I am a lot more confident in my abilities as a singer and as a student, he has really helped me grow as a person.” 

After the unusual spring semester, the choir department is full of unknowns. Frye’s departure adds another question mark to the pile. 

“Alongside the crazy year we’ve already had, I think his departure will kind of shake things up and it will be hard to get back on track when we start,” Lopez said. “A lot of adjusting for sure, but I know a lot of students are really dedicated to making sure we have a great year.”