By the time Rich Mace had graduated from Philip Barbour High School with the Class of 1991, he had accumulated a long list of accolades as a musician and a member of the Colt band. Learning how to play the trumpet as early as fourth grade led to Rich being selected three times to membership in the West Virginia All-State Band during each of his sophomore, junior and senior years at PB. He was also named to the West Virginia University Honor Band in 1988, 1989 and 1990, prior to continuing his musical studies at WVU.
His high school career culminated in his receiving the highest honor available to a high school musician, when he was selected for the 1990-91 McDonald’s All-American Band. He became the first in Philip Barbour history to attain that status after being chosen as one of about 100 nationally from more than 4000 nominees. Two from each state were selected to form the elite band as they showcased their talents in such venues as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NBC’s Today Show. Rich was also ranked seventh in the United States for his trumpet playing during his senior year at Philip Barbour.
Mr. Mace went on to graduate from the West Virginia School of Pharmacy in 1995. Along with his wife, Kathy, he opened Mace’s Pharmacy in Philippi in 2002, expanding the successful business to a second location in Belington in 2012. The Mace family continues to reside in Barbour County, serving the community and supporting the high school and local causes through ongoing volunteerism and contributions.
His high school career culminated in his receiving the highest honor available to a high school musician, when he was selected for the 1990-91 McDonald’s All-American Band. He became the first in Philip Barbour history to attain that status after being chosen as one of about 100 nationally from more than 4000 nominees. Two from each state were selected to form the elite band as they showcased their talents in such venues as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NBC’s Today Show. Rich was also ranked seventh in the United States for his trumpet playing during his senior year at Philip Barbour.
Mr. Mace went on to graduate from the West Virginia School of Pharmacy in 1995. Along with his wife, Kathy, he opened Mace’s Pharmacy in Philippi in 2002, expanding the successful business to a second location in Belington in 2012. The Mace family continues to reside in Barbour County, serving the community and supporting the high school and local causes through ongoing volunteerism and contributions.