Bob Mathews

Robert “Bob” Mathews is a graduate of East High School in Cheyenne (1972). He attended the University of Wyoming to receive his Bachelor of Music Education in 1976. That same year, he began teaching orchestra at East H.S., Carey Jr. High and 3 elementary schools. Bob is a composer and arranger and often wrote and arranged much of the music for his classes.

Bob’s father served as a U.S. Marine during WWII and his stories and patriotism instilled in Bob a strong appreciation, passion and respect for history and the Military. As a result, he always included historic pieces and patriotic songs in his classes’ repertoire, and every concert began with the Star Spangled Banner. His students often commented that they “learned more history from Mr. Mathews than in their history classes”.

On the side, he formed a group called “Strolling Strings” which performed at many Veteran, Military and civic events. In 2002, he won the coveted VFW “Teacher of the Year” award. Bob has now retired from teaching (after 42 years) but still serves as teacher and mentor to a group of kids who plays year-round for civic events, Veterans events, Museum openings, inaugurations, holiday parties and Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Bob and his wife, Debbie, have two children and four grandchildren.