MIAMI GARDENS, FL; Nov. 9, 2022 – St. Thomas University (STU) has announced Gladstone I. Edwards as their new Marching Band Director. Mr. Edwards comes to STU via Palm Beach County Public Schools, where he served as Music Director for Royal Palm Beach High School.
Prior to his tenure in the Palm Beaches, Mr. Edwards was Music Director for Miramar High School and Deerfield Beach High School, both in Broward County, from 2017 to 2019. He began his career as a Music Director at Miami-Dade’s Miami Carol City Senior High school.
Mr. Edwards brings a wealth of accolades and experience to the position, and is eager to continue his recruitment efforts with the stated goal of making STU’s Marching Bobcats the best marching band in the region. “St. Thomas University’s leadership is supporting our efforts to take the marching band to the next level,” commented Edwards. “I am up to the challenge and cannot wait to show the world what the Bobcats have in store.”
Gladstone honed his musicianship and showmanship as a part of the famed FAMU Marching 100. A multi-instrumentalist, Gladstone is at home on the trumpet, percussion, the euphonium, and the sousaphone. He has toured with the “Drumline LIVE World Tour Band” for the last ten years, and he is a part of the Greater Broward Symphonic Band. As an educator, Mr. Edwards has consistently directed Superior-rated ensembles at all his postings. Beyond marching band, he has directed jazz bands, concert bands, symphonic bands, and implemented jazz and choir programs.
“We are excited to have Gladstone join the Bobcat community. His passion and excitement for re-building the Bobcat bands is exactly what we were looking for in our search. Under his leadership I know that the bands can and will grow to help create a wider range of co-curricular activities and support our robust athletic program,” said Vice President of Student Affairs, Matthew Roche.
Mr. Gladstone Edwards is actively recruiting future Bobcats, and will be canvasing the tri-county area for talented young people who are ready to put on a fabulous show at St. Thomas University. Beyond South Florida, Gladstone looks to recruit quality instrumentalists from across the country. St. Thomas University is exited to welcome Mr. Edwards, and we look forward to seeing his Marching Bobcats take the field soon.
