the Firestone High School Band Program

The Firestone High School Marching Band enjoys a long and proud tradition of excellence. The band is fast becoming recognized as one of the top programs in Ohio. Continuing this tradition of success requires a high degree of dedication, effort, and pride on the part of each person involved. This ensemble performs at Firestone Varsity Football Games, Parades, Events, Festivals, and Competitions. The marching band consistently appears at OMEA State Marching Band Finals and Bands of America Events.

The concert bands perform several local concerts each year and at The Ohio Music Education Association Adjudicated Events. The Wind Ensemble has consistently earned superior ratings at these events since 2008. In 2012, the concert bands performed in the Northeast Ohio Band Invitational at Severance Hall, and in 2017 performed in a joint concert with the University of Akron and world-renowned trombone player, Joseph Alessi.

The Firestone Jazz Band rehearses during the school day and performs locally throughout the year, including BLU Jazz - Akron's premier jazz club. They have performed at the Tri-C Jazz Festival, Hoover Jazz Festival, Akron Jazz Bands in the Round, and most recently at the OMEA State Music Conference.

The Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Winterguard function throughout the winter months, competing in state and national contests.

Band ensembles at Firestone include:

Firestone Band Staff

Band Director - Matthew Kennedy


2022 Marching Band Staff

Assistant Band Director/Color Guard Director - Lauren Bradshaw

Assistant Band Director - Sloan Stakleff and Ashley Phillips

Percussion - Richard Orr, Sam Fortney


Firestone High School is home to the Akron School for the Arts.

"The Akron School for the Arts is a 'school within a school' model. It is a specific curricular track designed for the serious arts student, enrolling annually 250 students grades 9-12. The ASA program provides demanding, sequential fine arts courses designed for maximum student skill development while dovetailing a challenging core curriculum to position students for success after high school. This intensive arts program benefits not only college entrance but also develops skills to ensure college completion including perseverance, collaboration, time management, accountability and self-assessment. Students regularly work with regional university staff as well as professional artists from all the disciplines to further enrich their experience and perspective.

"This rigorous program develops graduates who successfully compete with top visual and performing artists from around the country for coveted scholarships and placement into some of the nation’s top schools and conservatories. It is recognized regionally and nationally and many of our graduates have established thriving professional careers in the arts."