JOHNSTON COUNTY -- M. Lance Britt, who helped build the popular band program at West Johnston High School, has resigned, school officials said.

Britt quit his post as band director on Nov. 20 and cited “personal reasons” for his departure, said Johnston County Schools spokeswoman Terri Sessoms.

Seventeen days before he resigned, Britt was arrested in Johnston County for driving a vehicle without insurance, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol. Trooper J.L. Thorpe stopped Britt on the morning of Nov. 3 and told him to call a taxi cab or a tow truck, because he could not drive his vehicle without insurance, the trooper said. Ten minutes later, Thorpe said, he saw Britt driving and pulled him over again.

As is standard police procedure, Thorpe arrested Britt to keep him from driving, the trooper said. Britt posted a $1,000 bond.

Britt was “polite and cooperative” with authorities, Thorpe said.

Britt could not be reached for comment for this story.

West Johnston’s band program has enjoyed much success. Britt, 38, has served as the band director since the school opened in 2002.

Last fall, the marching band travelled to New York City to take part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a coveted opportunity for high school bands. West Johnston’s band members raised thousands of dollars for the trip.

This year, the band placed third in its class at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis. The band placed 19th overall in the semifinal competition, which featured bands from across the country. It was the third time in the last four years that West Johnston placed in the top 20.

“[Britt] certainly will be missed, and he was a very instrumental factor in the success of the West Johnston High School band,” said West’s principal, Brookie Honeycutt.

Honeycutt said she did not know why Britt resigned. His resignation was effective immediately.

Britt earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in music from Northwestern University, according to the West Johnston band program’s Web site.

In 2003, Britt was a finalist for the Johnston County Teacher of the Year Award. In 2006, he won the N.C. Bandmasters Association’s Award of Excellence as the outstanding band director of the year in the southeastern district, the Web site says.

Two assistant band directors at West are taking the reins for now “so students don’t miss a beat,” Sessoms said. The school is looking for Britt’s replacement, she said.