BANDS
BANDS AT ST. EDWARD
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A variety of music offerings are available at St. Edward High School. Instruments are available through the school for student use at no cost - students pay only for personal accessories such as reeds. Pervious experience is not necessary. Lessons are available at the school for students who wish to begin instruction on an instrument. Each year several of our graduates pursue music in college and beyond - as performers, recording technicians, teachers and composers.
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St. Edward students who participate in all our music ensembles receive academic credit. Those who wish may opt to receive a grade of pass/fail rather than a letter grade. Pass/fail grades are not factored in to grade point averages. Students who wish this option should see the ensemble director for a pass/fail option form prior to the first grading period.
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CONCERT BAND
The Concert Bands at St. Edward High School are the centerpiece of our band program.
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Our Symphonic Band is offered after school three days a week and begins in November. Students will rehearse and perform high quality concert repertoire at three concerts during the spring semester as well as an adjudicated performance in March held by the Ohio Music Education Association. Performance-based trips are also part of the Symphonic Band, averaging one every two years. Students will earn ½ credit for participating in the Symphonic Band for â…” of our performances, including the OMEA Adjudicated Performance.
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The Novice Band is a class that meets as part of the school day and is a place for students to either learn a new instrument or brush up on their skills in an instrument they already play. The Novice Band will perform when possible. Students earn a full credit for participation in Novice Band
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There is no prior experience necessary to be a member of either Concert Band ensemble, but students must be able to play their instrument at a high school level in order to participate in the Symphonic Band. If a student has or plans to have a GPA above a 4.0, they may take Symphonic Band as a pass/fail credit. In order to do so, they will need to notify Mr. Angelo Kortyka and their counselor at the beginning and end of the fall semester. Pass/fail credits do not fulfill Fine Arts requirements for graduation.
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The St. Edward Marching Eagles perform at most home and away football games as well as several competitions and parades throughout the summer and fall. The band travels locally as far as Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo and has performed in stadiums including the Ohio Stadium, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Stadium, and many local university stadiums.
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The Marching Eagles are one of two band programs in Cuyahoga Country that participate in corps-style marching band competitions. Because of the attention to detail and precision in what we do, rehearsals begin in June.
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Marching Band begins two weeks prior to July 4th with a rehearsal and parent meeting and will rehearse intermittently throughout the summer until Band Camp. Home and away band camps typically occur at the end of July/beginning of August. Home and Away band camps are required for all members. After band camp, there are evening rehearsals held until the first day of school. Once school begins, the Marching Band rehearses three days a week and performs most Saturdays. The season concludes with a performance at the OMEA State Marching Band Finals and playoff football games. See the Marching Band Information Sheet on this page for specific dates and deadlines.
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There are no prerequisites for participation in Marching Band. However, students wishing to be part of our Colorguard (Flag Corps), Front Ensemble (Pit Percussion), or Drumline must attend the appropriate clinic/auditions in the spring. Dates for those can be found on our Performing Arts Calendar or by contact Mr. Kortyka at akortyka@sehs.net.
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Sutdents who participate in Marching Band will earn ¼ class credit. Two semesters of Marching Band will count as physical education credit towards graduation. If a student has or plans to have a GPA above a 4.0, they may take Marching Band as a pass/fail credit. In order to do so, they will need to notify Mr. Kortyka and their counselor at the beginning and end of the fall semester. Pass/fail credits do not fulfill Fine Arts requirements for graduation.
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Click here to access the Marching Band Archives.
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JAZZ BAND
There are two jazz groups at St. Edward High School. The Jazz Combo is a class that meets as part of the school day. Students who plan any instrument are welcome to join Jazz Combo. The Jazz Combo class focuses on teaching improvisation and understanding how to become a jazz musician. Students should be able to perform on their instruments at the 8th grade level in order to join this class and will earn one credit for participating in this class.
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The Jazz Ensemble meets during one community period and one or two days per week after school begins in the fall. Jazz Ensemble is open to all students, but they must plan an instrument that is part of the jazz ensemble - Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Bass, Guitar, Drums, Piano, or Vibraphone. Since there is only one per instrument, participation in the Jazz Ensemble is limited to students who commit to attend rehearsals and practice their parts. It is strongly recommended that those who wish to solo in Jazz Ensemble take the Jazz Combo class as well. Students participating in Jazz Ensemble will earn ¼ credit.
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Both jazz groups perform at our concerts in the spring semester, as well as some outreach performances. Recently, the jazz groups have performed at Crestmont Nursing Homes, the OMEA Professional Development Conference, Tri-C Jazz Fest, Brother's Lounge, and our award ceremonies.
If a student has or plans to have a GPA above a 4.0, they may take Jazz Ensemble as a pass/fail credit. In order to do so, they will need to notify Mr. Kortyka and their counselor at the beginning and end of the fall semester. Pass/fail credits do not fulfill Fine Arts requirements for graduation.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
For more information about St. Ed's Band Attendance Policy, click here. ​