New Faculty Spotlight: Phil McIntyre
Victoria McNorrill, Staff Writer
After three decades of Upper State Championships and Grand Championships, Phil McIntyre decided it was time for a new challenge.
As the new director of athletic bands at North Greenville University, McIntyre will be over the marching and pep bands as well a recruit for the Cline School of Music.
Before he was hired, however, the music department and the admissions department contacted McIntyre for his help in finding North Greenville�s new band director.
�Then, they asked me if I was interested,� McIntyre said.
He took the job right away.
For McIntyre, directing marching bands and pep bands is nothing new.
McIntyre taught for six years at Blue Ridge High School and 30 years at James F. Byrnes High School. Before, he had marched with his high school band at Parker High School in Greenville. Then he went on to march with the Paladin Regiment Marching Band at Furman University.
�I�ve never taught on the university level before,� said McIntyre, �This is a new challenge for me.�
Among his many achievements as band director at Byrnes High School, under McIntyre’s leadership, the Marching Rebel Regiment was able to participate in the Bands of America national competitions, march in the 1996 and 2002 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and was featured in the 2011 Concert Performance at Pearl Harbor for the 70th anniversary.
Additionally, during McIntyre’s career as a high school band director, his bands achieved 13 Upper State Championships, 79 Grand Championships and 30 Superior Ratings.
One could say big things are happening in the North Greenville community.
The North Greenville Marching Crusaders season will begin this coming fall.
Who is Phil McIntyre? Things You Might Not Have Guessed:
Best dish you can cook?
Oyster Stew.
What instruments do you play?
I�ve played the trombone since 1966 when I was in the 5th grade. I can play all the instruments in the band because I have to teach them to my students. I am best at the trombone.
Favorite place you�ve been?
Childhood hero?
My band instructor, James Senn.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Pets?
I have a golden retriever named Rebel for when I was the band director at Byrnes. Byrnes� mascot is the rebel. I�m getting a new golden retriever and will name him Crusader for the North Greenville Crusaders.