In
twenty-seven years under Mr. Garrett's direction, the band program at Wheeling
Park High School in Wheeling, WV, has grown to include concert band, marching
band, percussion ensemble, marimba ensemble, steel band, brass ensemble,
woodwind ensemble, jazz combos, and jazz ensemble. The marching band has been
honored with more than 250 awards, and was a Bands of America Eastern
Regional Finalist in 1995, 96, 97, and 98. The concert organizations have
received numerous Superior ratings in solo and ensemble, jazz ensemble, and
concert band festivals. The concert band has received Superior ratings at band
festivals since 1985, and was named West Virginia Honor Band in the spring of
2000 while the jazz ensemble was named a state champion in 2006.
Mr.
Garrett received his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from
West Virginia University and has completed course work in the Microsoft
Training Academy. He has guest conducted several honor bands, including
ensembles at Shepherd University, Marshall University, the University of
Alabama, West Virginia University, and the Maryland All State Junior Band. Pat
also plays trombone in several performing ensembles in the Wheeling, WV, area,
and serves as a music judge throughout the country and for Drum Corps International.
Mr.
Garrett has served as president of the Northern Band Master's Association,
president of the WV Band Master's Association and as secretary/treasurer of Phi
Beta Mu Band Master's Honorary. Pat’s arrangements have been performed and
recorded by the "Pride of West Virginia" WVU Marching Band and for
the 2001 inauguration ceremonies of WV Governor Robert Wise. In addition to
receiving a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association,
Pat was named Teacher of the Year of Ohio County, WV, in 1991; WV Band Master
of the Year in 1993 and 2004; and Wheeling Park High School's Teacher of the
Year for 1995-96 school year.
Pat
and his wife Leslie, the Choral Director at Wheeling Park High School, have two
children, Shelby and Joshua, and live in Glen Dale, WV.
