McIntyre conducts his final halftime show

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

ATHENA – Weston-McEwen High School Band Director Rob McIntyre will pick up his baton one more time Friday as he directs his final halftime show leading the Pipes and Drums. It will be the 74^th such show at the school and it will happen Friday during the boys basketball game.

It took McIntyre two years to learn to play the bagpipes after he became a teacher at WMHS. Since then, he has taken musical groups on six trips. A total of 300 students and 106 chaperones participated in journeys to Boston; New York; Scotland; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Washington, D.C.

McIntyre has also been the driving force behind the remodeling of Athena’s Gem Theatre. Upon retiring from teaching, McIntyre said he intends to remain involved Gem, with the Pipes and Drums, and with the community in general.

“My career here was uniquely rewarding but never easy,” he said. “I am looking forward to reducing stress somewhat and getting reacquainted with my fishing pole.”