After 23 years of working at FVHS, band teacher Matthew Edwards is retiring. Edwards is FVHS’ amazing band director who has gotten more awards than can be counted. He truly has made the school and community proud.
Edwards taught his students with respect and equality. He made sure everyone felt included in the band, even when the band hosted middle school nights at football games. He had fun joking around, but also knew when to put on a serious face and lead his students through their performances.
Senior Kyle Fox said, “He taught me how to play my instrument because in middle school, I had a teacher who only knew how to play trumpet, and he only taught trumpet. The difference between trumpet and clarinet is big. When I got into freshman year, I thought, ‘There’s so many good people around me. How do I even compare?’ Edwards noticed that I was doing a lot of things wrong. He was like, ‘Let me help you,’ and he did.”
One of the most memorable things the band did was go to Washington DC in 2024. There, they explored the city and watched the US Army band perform.
Senior Brock Reese said, “Mr. Edwards taught me a lot about how to be diligent and also how to be patient with myself. He taught everyone in band how to be a better version of yourself. He taught us how to be leaders and how to strive for excellence.”
Edwards wanted his students to always improve and be better than the last performance. Edwards has his many trophies, MPA awards, and students to show how well he taught music.
Reese said, “To be honest, he challenged me. He gave us very difficult pieces and materials that were slightly outside of our comfort zone, but that allowed us to adapt. It allowed us to play some pieces that we would have never thought we could have played beforehand.”
Students will miss Edwards lightheartedness and how he taught band. He has gained a lot of respect and made an impact on all of his students.
Senior Kenzie Leighton said, “He did a lot of fun stuff. He taught us a lot about the culture of the band and everything else we needed to know…I’ll miss band class in general and him as a teacher. I’ve known him since I was little because my sister was also in the band.”
Some band students wanted to leave messages to Edwards in this article. They hope he has a good retirement and for him to know how thankful they are.
Fox said, “I wish him the best retirement because he deserves it. He’s worked his behind off for so long. He definitely deserves it.”
Leighton said, “I want to say thank you for everything that you did for us and for making us a better band program.”
Reese said, “Thank you for all that you’ve taught me. Even though you’re retiring, I have no doubt that you’ll still have an incredible influence on the music world, and I’m excited to see what your students do next.”
