Wheeling Park Music Director Leaving to Pursue Career in Higher - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Pat Garrett is leaving the music program he built at Wheeling Park High School, to pursue a teaching career in higher education.

Garrett led the music department at Wheeling Park High School for 27 years. The marching band and numerous ensembles won countless awards and drew attention and accolades for miles around. But now Garrett has accepted a position at West Liberty University teaching music education majors how to do what he did for so many years.

"You know Bernie Dolan decided to move to the board office, there were people lamenting his departure but it occurred to me then that the great work that Bernie Dolan did at Wheeling Park High School is simply going to be lifted across Ohio County," said Garrett. "This was an opportunity for me to share with more kids via their teachers"

Garrett says he's leaving Park's music program in excellent shape, in the hands of new band director and Wheeling native Jason Burch.

Ironically, he leaves just as the school's new performing arts center opens. He says it's a wonderful edifice built with hard work and vision.

Garrett says he's excited about the challenges at West Liberty University and he's delighted to be working with such a prestigious staff.