The Origin of the Ed Ward Fine Arts Series
St. Cletus Parish has a long history of presenting quality musical performance both inside and outside of the liturgical setting. Ed Ward was definitely a part of that tradition for many years in many different ways.
In 2009, while Justin Sisul. was Director of Music at St. Cletus, he tested out the idea of a regular performance series with an inaugural concert. The parish responded favorably, and the next meeting Justin took was with Ed Ward. He was the perfect person to help shape the brand new St. Cletus Fine Arts series and was truly the founding Board member of the group. His expertise, his connections, and his commitment to excellence and equity for musicians became the cornerstone of the series; his values influenced each and every season. And by hosting many of our meetings at their home, he and Dale ensured that the camaraderie and friendship among the board members was strong…for as many of you know, there were few better places to enjoy being hosted than at the Ward home.
The series grew over the next few years, and it became time to separate formally from St. Cletus (though the parish has graciously remained our home and will for years to come!) As we embarked on becoming our own 501(c)3 organization, Ed’s guidance was once again a critical component of our success. We discussed the naming of the series, and one of the first suggestions was to name it after Ed, in recognition of his significant contributions not only to the series but to St. Cletus and the music community as a whole. Ed immediately rejected the idea.
It took a few meetings, more discussion, and a lot of convincing from the Board, but Ed ultimately agreed to become the namesake of the series…and while initially hesitant, we believe he came around to the idea that he had most definitely earned this honor. Ed and Dale came to nearly every event the series presented, and Ed enjoyed connecting with the musicians before and after each; it is a fond memory of him “holding court” at the foot of the altar or stage.
Admittedly, the Fine Arts Series is only one piece of Ed Ward’s tremendous legacy, and yet we trust and believe that the series will live on for decades to come as we continue to honor Ed by providing space for local professional and amateur musicians to perform, to be appropriately recognized, and to be supported by an audience who appreciates quality performance. The Fine Arts Series would not be what it is without Ed’s contributions, friendship, and mentorship.
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 Ward conducting the Independence Day Band
Ed Ward at the St. Cletus Parish July 3rd Celebration