About Ed Ward

Ed Ward became the St. Cletus Band Director in 1959 and continued at St. Cletus for more than 33 years. He also taught at other local Catholic grade schools and St. Joseph High School.

In 1969 Ed was named Chicago Archdiocese Catholic Youth Organization Music Coordinator and director of the CYO band. For years the band rehearsed at St. Cletus Parish bringing talented musicians to the parish.

In 1972 with Pastor Charles Gallagher, Ed assembled the Independence Day Band that continues to play at St. Cletus in a special Military Veterans Mass each July 4th.

Ed Ward was also the President of the Musicians Union for the Chicago Federation of Musicians and Executive Officer for the American Federation of Musicians.

Ed and his wife, Dale, have been members of St. Cletus Parish since they were married there in 1969. Ed is a founding member of the St. Cletus Fine Arts Series Board and continues to serve on our Ed Ward Fine Arts Series Board.