He’s been a performer for most of his life, so it was only natural for Darren McCoy to arrive in character.
He came to Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roasters, wearing an electric green jacket covered in shamrocks with a matching tie.
It was quite the ice-breaker for an interview to discuss his designation this year as grand marshal for Oak Harbor’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The outfit drew stares and smiles from customers, though McCoy seemed completely comfortable in his new green skin.
“I went to Burlington to the costume shop and found this,” McCoy said, recalling a trip nearly two years ago. “It was totally by accident. I was looking for something for a kid and found this.”
The jacket suits McCoy, who has spent his young career as a music educator at Oak Harbor High School, inspiring students to get out of their comfort zones and take creative risks.
In eight years as the high school’s choral director, he’s built a program recognized for excellence. And now, on a holiday that celebrates Irish heritage, McCoy is being recognized by the community at Thursday’s parade along Pioneer Way that starts at 4:30 p.m., carrying a grand distinction often not bestowed on someone just 31.
“I’m thrilled to do this,” said McCoy, who’s ancestry is deeply rooted in southern England but also includes Irish, Danish and German.
“I’ve been to the parade many times, but I don’t know what grand marshals need to do. I don’t even know where we’re lining up at the moment.”
He knows he’ll be riding in a vehicle, which will give him more time to soak in the experience and maybe reflect on the journey he’s been on since arriving in Oak Harbor fresh out of graduate school.
He grew up in rural Oregon, moving from one small town to another, the son of a teacher. He excelled in school and in choir and the piano, earning academic and music scholarships to help him attend Willamette University, then earned a master’s degree in music from the University of Oregon.
Oak Harbor has been his first stop out of college — and one he’s treasured.
“I do feel lucky,” McCoy said. “I work in a school district with a great boss. I have a full-time job in a community that cares about music and wants to support it. Not every choir teacher can say that.”
The choir program has soared under McCoy, who last fall was named one of 25 finalists out of more than 4,500 nominations nationwide for the Music Educator Award, presented at a special ceremony during Grammy Week.
“I’m just so thrilled with what Darren McCoy is doing with the high school choir,” said Vernon Greenstreet, former choir director at Oak Harbor.
“Darren is a remarkable music educator,” said Oak Harbor Public Schools Superintendent Lance Gibbon, who started as a music teacher. “He inspires students to love music and perform at higher levels than they thought possible. He brings joy into the classroom and demonstrates genuine care and interest in each student. That’s a big part of why he gets such amazing results.”
McCoy is constantly on the go, juggles his teaching and roughly 20 choir concerts a school year with personal interests that still revolve around the performing arts. He recently joined Male Ensemble Northwest, a group of 15 vocal teachers who perform at festivals across the region and will be taking a trip to Thailand in the fall.
He also occasionally acts and sings at the Whidbey Playhouse.
McCoy’s festive musical spirit got the attention of St. Patrick’s Day parade organizers when it came time to pick a grand marshal.
“All of the grand marshals have had this spirit,” said Mike Thelen, the parade chair. “You see it in their smiles, their care, their compassion. A demeanor of happiness and laughter are on their sleeves.”
McCoy’s sleeves have been green lately. If his jacket brings out a smile, it pleases him. He’s considering wearing a Scottish kilt during the parade but isn’t sure he’s built enough courage.
“He’s really a good part of the community. He does a lot,” said Angie Stauffer, manager of Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roasters.
She knows McCoy’s order by heart — a 16-ounce iced mocha with whip cream.
He also prefers a green straw.
“He’s super nice,” Stauffer said. “Even the kids who come in here talk so highly about him.”
Parade time
Oak Harbor’s 43rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade, organized by the Irish Wildlife Society, will begin at 4:30 p.m. and travel down Pioneer Way in downtown. The parade features grand marshal Darren McCoy, Oak Harbor High School’s choral director. Immediately following the parade, there will be a community sing-along with the Community Band at the American Legion Hall on Barrington Drive. Corned beef and cabbage dinners will be available for $8 per plate. Children are welcome.
