St. Edward Marching Band Stepping Off This Weekend

What would an Eagles football game be without the pounding of drums, the smashing of cymbals and the high-knee marching of the  band? 

For decades, the marching band has offered a soundtrack of rock, pop and pep music to cheer the team on and bolster the roar of the crowd, and this year is no different. 

For the 2011 football season, the halftime shows will include covers of Joan Jett’s “I love rock and roll,” Katy Perry’s “I like it,” and Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” among others. 

Band director Bob Burns, who’s been leading the high school troupe for more than 20 years, says this time of year is the most exciting as he gets to see the band take shape and show off its talents. 

“We’ve got a bigger band this year, and the kids are definitely excited about the music,” he said. 

Not only under the lights at , but the students are also eager to perform artistic and classical pieces of music that will be showcased in six competitions across the state this year. 

Typically, the marching band earns top marks and brings home either “Superior” or “Excellent” distinctions from the state competitions – many of which are organized by the Ohio Education Music Association.

“The competition aspect is 10 times harder and more complex,” alto saxophone player Gerard Basalla said. “The songs and marching are much more difficult and challenging, but challenges are good, and we want that superior rating.” 

And according to Basalla, it’s advantageous to have Burns who composes original pieces of music before each round of annual competitions. 

“He’s the man,” Basalla said of Burns. “No one else does that.” 

To see the marching band in action, they’ll be performing this Saturday at half time during the St. Ed’s, Glenville game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.