In 1967, the Franklin Area School District hired Ed Frye as a teacher of instrumental music. Before he had even set foot in the school, Ed was brought along to a city band rehearsal by Harold Pixley, the ranking music teacher at Franklin as well as the director of the Franklin Silver Cornet Band.

By 1969, Ed had been named associate bandmaster.It was the beginning of the longest and most productive tenure by any person who ever served as the director of the band.

Ed presided over a massive and steady influx of young players into the band. Under his bandmastery, the band grew steadily through the eighties. Like many directors in a similar position, Ed pursued a high level of musical excellence, taking the band from the days of simple faux overtures like "Calif of Bagdad" to warhorses like "Light Cavalry" and "1812." He always made certain to program a variety of works, some for band members, and some for the audience (always quoting Pix's advice about the handling of band audiences - "Give them a treat, not a treatment.")

Unlike many directors, Ed has always believed that the band belongs to its members, and always left the reins of the band in the hands of the members, fostering an atmosphere of ownership and responsibility for the group.

Ed has been a working musician in the area for decades, playing in everything from the Venango Chamber Orchestra to theater pit orchestras and popular dance combos. His accomplishments beyond the world of music have been impressive as well-- he is a licensed pilot and took a sabbatical to travel the complete Appalachian Trail.

Ed retired from Franklin High School in 1995; his position was filled by Steve Johnston, one of his former students. He retired from bandmastery of the Franklin Silver Cornet Band in 200; his position was filled by Terri Wittreich, one of his former students. He remains active in the band, including a stint as president.