East Cleveland, Ohio - (July 7, 2021) The East Cleveland City School District is excited to announce that Randolph Woods Jr. will be the new director of the Mighty Shaw Cardinal Marching Band.

“Mr. Woods’ creativity and passion for music is unmatched,” said Shaw High School principal Larry Ellis.  “I can’t wait to see what the marching band is going to do this year.”

Randolph Woods, a Shaw alumnus class of 2004, graduated Valedictorian and attended Howard University where he earned his Bachelor’s in music education with a minor in clarinet performance.  Mr. Woods also holds a Master’s of Arts in Music Education which he completed at Kent State University. 

Mr. Woods was hired into the district in 2009 as instrumental music teacher where he has taught instrumental music for students in grades seven through twelve, splitting his time between W.H. Kirk Middle School and Shaw High School.  He has also worked with the Music Settlement and the East Cleveland Community Arts and Mentorship Program, eCamp.        

In 2017, Mr. Woods revived the Rhythm Teens, an instrumental and vocal ensemble of Shaw High School students.  The Rhythm Teens perform at numerous district and community events, most recently 141st Annual Shaw High School Commencement ceremony.  The name Rhythm Teens is a throwback to the mid-1950s when the group was first formed as an extracurricular that allowed singers from the choir to perform alongside musicians from the orchestra.  

“Our job is to build well-rounded individuals, young men and women who will grow to become strong global citizens.  I want our students to feel empowered to be able to do what they want to do once they leave us.  The Mighty Shaw Cardinal Marching Band is critical to that development,” said Mr. Woods.  “The band gives students the opportunity to get plugged in, to get connected so that they can become successful.  Our students need to be prepared for the next step, so let’s move forward.”