SMITHSBURG, Va. — A former Knoch High School band director is retiring after a 38-year career.

Gary Rupert’s first position was as a long-term substitute at East Brady, followed by being the band director at Kittanning High School.

From 1981 to 1988, he was the band director at Knoch.

He moved to Middletown High School in Middletown, Md., and then in 2002 he moved to Smithsburg High School until his retirement. He also is the director of Jazz at Hagerstown Community College.

Rupert, who was a graduate of Ford City High School, received his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and his master’s degree from Indiana (Pa.) University.

Rupert and his wife, Colette Altman Rupert, and their two sons live in Hagerstown, Md.