Staff History

Mr. Winter began teaching in Cloverleaf in 2005 after previously teaching 2 years in the Berea School district. From 2005-2010 he was the Middle School Band Director and the Marching Band Assistant Director, in addition to teaching 7th grade general music. During that time, the 8th grade bands placed 1st in several adjudicated competitions. In 2012, the 5th grade beginning band program was curtailed and later the 6th grade beginning band was reduced to every-other day. However, enrollment trended upwards peaking at more than 350 high school and middle school students in 2017.

In 2011, Mr. Winter became the High School Director, in addition to continuing to teach the 6th, 7th (and sometimes 8th grade) bands. As the High School Director, he transitioned the competitive Marching Band shows towards current trends in the Marching Arts including less pop music, an expanded front-ensemble/electronics section and more elaborate props. The Marching Band continued their streak of consecutive appearances at OMEA State Marching Band Finals (40 years as of 2022) and in 2013 the band earned their first “Superior” rating at OMEA State Finals since 1996. In the past 9 years the Marching Band has earned 7 “Superior” ratings at State Finals. The Wind Ensemble and Concert Bands routinely perform 4-5 concerts per year including occasional community events like the rededication of the Lodi American Legion in honor of Major General Robert Rowland. The Jazz Band was transitioned from a class to an after-school program. In 2015 the High School band room went through a renovation, and Mr. Winter is currently helping to plan for the new Cloverleaf High School and Middle School buildings!

Mr. Winter earned his Masters of Music Education degree from Vandercook College in Chicago, his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ohio Northern University, and his High School diploma from Berea High School. During his time at Cloverleaf, Mr. Winter was honored to receive the 2008 Emerald Key “Teacher of the Year” award and was nominated for the 2010 and 2011 Medina County “Teacher of Excellence” award. He was also selected for the 2019 “Inspiration award” from the Medina County ESC. He lives on the west side of Cleveland with his wife Emily and children Adalyn and Ethan.

Mr. Favalon began his career at Cloverleaf after student teaching at Cloverleaf and graduating from Akron University.

Mr. Greene began his career at Cloverleaf after graduating from Kent State University.

Mr. Timm co-taught the 7^th grade band in addition to his responsibilities as choir director.

Mr. Fudale began his career at Cloverleaf after graduating from Baldwin Wallace University.

Mr. Carasea began teaching at Cloverleaf in 1978 after having previously teaching 7 years in Barberton and Mon Valley (PA). During that time, he taught the High School Bands, various music appreciation and theory classes, 5th and 6th bands. He also served as Department Chair and Assistant Principal during the Winter semester of 1994 and Summer sessions of 1993/94.

During his 32 years at Cloverleaf Mr. Carasea fostered a close partnership and special rapport with both the students (“a.k.a. band rats”) and parents. He initiated many programs that may not have been part of the curricula before his tenure. Noteworthy among them the continued football game halftime shows, the many parade performances including the Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, Michigan, the Hall of Fame Parade in Canton, Ohio, the Festival Parade in St. Catherines Canada and more. In 1982, the Marching Band performed at OMEA State finals – beginning a streak of consecutive appearances (39 as of 2021) at State Finals, and 13 “Superior” ratings during his tenure. The “Cavalcade of Sound” band competition became an annual program at Cloverleaf. Collage Winter guard started at CHS in 1989 before they went Independent in 1992. The Concert Bands performed in multiple adjudicated events, and the Jazz Band program continued under his direction.

Mr. Carasea earned his postmaster’s degree M.S. Secondary Administration from the University of Akron, his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University of PA, and his High School diploma Greensburg Salem High School (PA). He was honored as the “Cloverleaf Staff Member of the Year” in 2011.

Sadly, he passed away in 2019. To read more about Mr. C’s legacy, please visit https://www.forevermissed.com/gerald-carasea/about/2

Under their direction, the Marching Band performed traditional music for that era (marches). Concert Bands performed at local festivals like the Baldwin Wallace College competition. No letters or school credit was assigned. Ms. Kegley was on the committee that selected the Alma Mater, and was known for often writing many of her own pieces for the band.