Directors

Ms. Lauren Scharf is the Director of Choral Activities at Jamestown High School, which includes the A Cappella Choir, Madrigal Singers, Men of Tomorrow, Ladies of Today, and Mixed Chorus. She has served as the Director of the Jamestown High School Musical for the past eight years. Ms. Scharf holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre Direction from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, a Master's of Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. In 2025, Ms. Scharf was awarded the "Outstanding Direction of Musical Award" by the Shea's Wonder Awards. 

Past production credits include Director: Les Misérables: School Edition (JHS), The Music Man (JHS), Big Fish: School Edition (JHS), Fiddler on the Roof (JHS), A Little More Homework: A Musical Revue (JHS), Once Upon A Mattress (JHS), The Drowsy Chaperone (JHS), Guys and Dolls (JHS), Shrek Jr. (Persell Middle School), Seussical (JHS), and HONK! Jr. (Persell Middle School), Vocal Director: The Little Mermaid (JHS), and Bye, Bye Birdie (JHS). 

Performance credits include Disenchanted (Snow White), The Last Five Years (Cathy), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Les Misérables (Ensemble), and Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington).

Melissa Beichner has taught students ranging in age from infant to undergraduate. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from university and her Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University and is certified in the early childhood music program First Steps in Music. Beichner began her career in the North East School District, where she taught elementary, middle, and high school vocal and general music, and life skills, and directed the school musicals. Her classroom often served as a model for area music education students, where she mentored many students and new teachers while teaching a music education course at Mercyhurst. Following North East, Melissa began teaching at her alma mater, Cassadaga Valley Central School District, where she was the middle and high school vocal and general music teacher, as well as musical director. Beichner also served as the assistant Artistic Director and Conductor of Cantare for the Young People’s Chorus of Erie, PA. During her time in the classroom, Beichner was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from Edinboro University, and her choir was invited to debut and perform twice at Carnegie Hall. Upon leaving the classroom, Melissa became the director of the music ministry at Our Lady of Loreto in Falconer, NY, and began teaching infant and toddler music classes. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Meghan Murray began working in the Jamestown Public Schools in 2006.  She directs the Concert and Symphonic Bands and teaches JCC Music History and Music Theory. Mrs. Murray is a 2001 graduate of Jamestown High School.  She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from West Virginia University and a Master of Music Performance degree in Instrumental Conducting from SUNY Fredonia.

Under Mrs. Murray’s direction, the Jamestown High School Band program has achieved great success. The Jamestown High School Concert Band has received NYSSMA Level 6 Gold with Distinction ratings. The Jamestown High School Marching Band was invited to participate in several prestigious events, including the Citrus Parade in Orlando, FL, the St. Patrick’s Day Parades in New York City and Chicago, and many parades down Main Street, USA in Walt Disney World. The Marching Band also won three NYSFBC championships.

Mrs. Murray has conducted the pit orchestra for JHS many times and is excited to be back at it this year!