Gary W. McKeever

Gary W. McKeever earned his Bachelor and Master's of Music Education from Duquesne University. He also completed extensive course work at the Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago Illinois and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He taught instrumental music for 36 years in grades 4 through 12.
After directing the choral and instrumental band programs at Monongahela Valley Catholic High School for 6 years, he returned to his high school alma mater, Elizabeth Forward. He remained there for 17 years furthering the instrumental music ensemble performances along with Pennsylvania Music Educators Association adjudications and competitions. He spent the final 13 years of his career with the Baldwin Whitehall School District. While there, Gary was the music director and conductor of the symphonic, concert, wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz, and marching bands, as well as the spring musical. Gary was selected as jazz music educator of the year several times by California University.
His symphonic bands, jazz bands, and orchestras, have received numerous awards and superior ratings from PMEA-District I. His marching bands have performed throughout the United States and most notably, the 2003 PA Gubernational Inaugural Parade in Harrisburg, the 2006 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the 2009 NAMM convention in Anaheim California, the last Pittsburgh Steeler game played at Three Rivers Stadium and the first Monday Night football game at Heinz Field. They also successfully achieved multiple Tournament of Bands Group 4 Championships. His competitive marching bands won First place seven out of ten years in the Tournament of Bands competitive circuit.
After 36 years of teaching, he retired in June 2010. Once retired, Gary enjoyed playing in the West Hills Symphonic Band, South Hills Brass Quintet, Greater Monongahela Community Band, and the Too Many Tubas Community Band. He proudly played as the First trumpet in each of these groups. He was humbled by the numerous friends that music allowed him. He also worked as a part time sales representative for the Progressive Music Company. Gary is a member of the Jazz Educators of America, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and served as an adjudicator for the PMEA Music Assessments. He was honored to be recognized as a member of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports, along with travel, spending time with his wife and family, especially his Grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his Wife, Linda L. McKeever, his Brothers, Jim McKeever, Bob McKeever, Rick McKeever, Jack McKeever, and the late Ron McKeever, and Sister, Nancy Shaeffer, numerous relatives and cousins, three Stepchildren, Melissa L. Anderson, Michael T. Anderson, and Matthew D. Anderson, his Stepdaughter-In-Law, Kimberly A. Anderson, his Granddaughter, Isabel J. Anderson, his Grandson, Emery M. Anderson. He was very proud of his students and their many accomplishments. He always encouraged his students to excel and challenged them to do their best. They always knew "If You're On Time, You're Late!" For Gary, "Music is Life"!
Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Family and friends welcome Sunday 2-8 p.m. at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317. 724 941-3211. Services and Interment will be held privately on Monday. Family suggest memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org) or the West Hills Symphonic Band (https://www.whsb.org/). Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.