Posted
January 16, 2025
For more than 20 years, the Trash Talkers have been rocking St. Edward with their unforgettable percussion performances! They turn steel cans, plastic barrels, stick tricks, vocals, and movement into a one-of-a-kind show. Whether they’re touring schools, hyping up crowds at community events, or energizing sports venues, this crew delivers foot-stomping rhythms, booming beats, and nonstop energy that always leaves audiences cheering for more!
On Saturday, January 11, the Trash Talkers ignited the crowd during halftime of the Eagles' basketball victory against Fairview High School.
The Trash Talkers made their debut during the 2003-04 school year at the Hoops for Hunger basketball game—a contest between Eagle and Wildcat faculty to support hunger relief. What started as a unique percussion act quickly became a fan favorite, dazzling audiences with energetic performances at pep rallies, sporting events, local schools, alumni gatherings, the Wings Auction, and beyond.
“The Trash Talkers represent more than music,” said Landon Majer ’26, co-captain of the group. “It’s about community outreach, building leaders, and making people smile!”
Majer has cherished every performance, from the Cleveland Marathon at the Lake Erie Science Center to the Cleveland Yacht Club, St. Malachi Run, and Howard Hanna events. Recently, the group performed at the Forest City Yacht Club and brought joy to residents at St. Augustine Health Ministries.
A graduate of St. Raphael, Majer joined the Trash Talkers as a freshman with no prior drumming experience. At the time, he played the French horn in the symphonic band but was encouraged to try something new by classmate Stephen Martis ’23. “Stephen got me involved in the Trash Talkers,” Majer said. “He convinced me to give it a try, and I’ve stayed with it ever since.”
For new members, the Trash Talkers offer a structured approach to learning. The group is divided into two teams: the Gold Team, which performs publicly, and the Green Team, which focuses on rehearsals and learning from their experienced peers until they’re ready to hit the stage.
“Our goal is to entertain an audience,” Majer shared. “We’re a bunch of high schoolers playing on spray-painted garbage cans—and it’s amazing! The group is constantly evolving, and every performance has its own twist.”
The Trash Talkers are co-moderated by Performing Arts Department Chair Dave Michaels ’03 and Director of Outreach and Service Emily McGee. They also benefit from expert guidance by drummer Erik Sledge, who has performed with 216Stix for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Sledge provides valuable percussion techniques, the group’s unique “soul” comes directly from the students.
Majer’s favorite piece to perform is “Dumpster Dive,” which features lively vocals, stick tricks, and improvisation during solos. “It’s really fun,” he said. “We even count in Spanish—it’s a blast!”
Whether on stage or in the community, the Trash Talkers continue to energize and inspire, proving that sometimes, the best music comes from the most unexpected places.
The Trash Talkers’ upcoming performances include several grade school visits during Catholic Schools Week in late January; a home basketball game against Richmond Heights on February 13; and the St. Malachi Run on March 15. Click the links for more info!
Fans can also catch a glimpse of the Trash Talkers in this throwback video from 2013!