The GSB is honored to be a part of the Gaston County Veteran's Council service of remembrance for those veterans who have given all for our freedom.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY RUN 2019
The Community Foundation of Gaston County sponsors the Community Run each year. This is a major fund raising activity for non-profits on Gaston County. This year the GSB received a total of $5,578.63. There are 28 donors who gave money to the GSB. The foundation matched these donations with an additional 37%. Many thanks to those who donated. We'll use your gift to make music once again for Gaston County.
2018-2019 WHAT A WONDERFUL YEAR FOR THE GSB
The Gaston Symphonic Band wishes to thank everyone who made our 2018-2019 season a success.
This year the band played Four major concerts... A SALUTE TO VETERANS, 9TH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, RHAPSODY IN BLUE and RIDING THE WAVE. We partnered with Charlotte's Northside Baptist Church, First Assembly Church, The Stardusters Big Band, Ms. Terry Vanzant, The Gaston County Schools, and Ashbrook High School's Wind Ensemble. Attendance at these four concerts was over 2,000 people.
The GSB was honored to play at the dedication of Cramerton's Veterans Memorial Plaza. The band helped bring in the Christmas Holidays in McAdenville and Gastonia. Our season ended on Memorial Day at the Gaston County Veteran's Memorial Service. Attendance at these events was in the thousands.
The band was ably led this year. Bill Todd, Jr. completed his second year as president of the board of directors. Under Bill's leadership the band has documented and formalized many procedures which will smooth operations in the future. Well done Bill.
Musically, the GSB once again was led by John Gunter, Music Director and Conductor. His leadership and passion keep the band members on their toes. John has grown right along with the band. From playing Tuba over 10 year's ago, John became associate director and finally Music Director.
Concert planning and preparation this season was in the able hands of Jim Coulson, Michael Bynum, Ben Reavis, Tom Balsom, John Bagwell, and Bob Lowder. These members handled all the details as producers of the concerts and events. Logistics for all events was in the able hands of Chris Ritch.
The GSB is fortunate to have many benefactors. Charitable Foundations, businesses, and individuals have donated the funds to keep the band making music. Thank you for your continued support.
Most of all the GSB's success is due to the fifty or so members who volunteer their time and talent in order to provide high quality music to our community at no cost. These members gave more than 5,000 hours of their spare time and paid their own expenses in order to fulfill the mission of the GSB.
It's time for a well-earned summer break, but check back for upcoming plans for next year.
WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYING ABOUT RHAPSODY...
"This is my first experience hearing the Gaston Symphonic Band. I was expecting a few instruments, but certainly not a stage full of dynamic, talented musicians! The Band was amazing and our friend, Terry Van Zant was brilliant! Thank you, Maestro John Gunter, Terry and The Gaston Symphonic Band for a wonderful, uplifting performance of much-loved music. It may have been my first time to hear these amazing musicians, but hopefully, not my last!? - Teresa Williams
"Such a great concert and such a nice surprise to watch and hear". Milette Acton Oden.
"Thanks to the band for a wonderful evening". We loved it, too!" - Jane Smith
"If you weren't there, you really missed out on a fantastic treat! Quite and enjoyable evening... free, I might add! The Gaston Symphonic Band NEVER disappoints!" - Barbara Warlick
"These musicians are such a great asset to the community! We were graced with an evening of outstanding music in a beautiful venue. Many thanks to Marc Stout and Gaston Christian for sharing this space to allow such a great talent to be shared with the community." Richard Abernethy.
"Congrats, John! You guys brought your A game for this one!" - Jim Monroe
"The whole concert was amazing, thanks!" Susie Pons
"I was thrilled at hearing your Rhapsody in Blue performance, as I am with all of your numbers. Thank you." Peggy Gallen Tiddy
Previous events
GSB and Ashbrook High School Concert Band
Ashbrook High School Auditorium, 2222 South New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC
Help the GSB support the band program at Ashbrook High School. Admission is free to all who attend. All donations and sales proceeds will go to the band program at Ashbrook High School
Gaston Symphonic Band Spring Concert
Gaston Christian School, 1625 Lowel Bethesda Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056
The GSB will feature George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue.
The musical event of the holiday season. You will not want to miss this event. It's the ninnth annual Christmas Festival and promises to be just as entertaining as ever.
The Gaston Symphonic Band is honored to once again provide seasonal music for this historic celebration.
Ring in the Christmas season. The GSB is proud to perform seasonal favorites. We'll perform after the parade ends.
The GSB is honored to be a part of this dedication ceremony by providing appropriate music before and after the event.
Gaston Symphonic Band Salute to Veterans
First Assembly Church, 777 S. Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, NC
Join us for a FREE concert celebrating our Nation's history, our Veterans and the music that inspired a nation!
Gaston Symphonic Band - Memorial Day
Gastom Memorial Park Cemetery, 1200 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC
Gaston County Veterans Council Memorial Day Service.
Gaston Symphonic Band Outdoor Concert
Patriots Park Ampitheater, 400 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC
This is an outdoor concert sponsored by the City of Kings Mountain. This will be an afternoon concert.
Free Admission Located in the 400 Block of E. First St, between Pink and Depot.
Annual Spring Concert entitled "Playing it Forward".
Lighting if the Yule Log Celebration
Gaston Symphonic Band - Christmas Festival Concert
First Assembly Church, 777 S. Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, NC
Christmas Festival Concert
Always free
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
First concert of the GSB 25th Anniversary Celebration season
Always Free
The GSB is proud to provide music for this event. The program will be a fun time with music for everyone.
Double treat for spring! Your GSB performing at the Botanical Garden for 2 hours.
The concert will be available to all garden attendees that evening. Season passes or normal daily fees apply.
The GSB will provide lively program fitting such a wonderful community event.
Happy Fourth of July. Here's a great pic showing GSB clarinetist Jim Coulson leading the 555th U. S. Air Force Band in a July 4th parade.
MEMORIAL DAY IS A SPECIAL TIME FOR THE GSB. FIRST WE HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM. THEN WE CELEBRATE THAT FREEDOM WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Gaston Symphonic Band and Cherryville High School Concert Band in Starnes Auditorium. March 24 2018
Karen Fuller Receives President's Award
Long-time member of the Gaston Symphonic Band, Karen Fuller, received the President's Award. Karen has worked tirelessly behind the scene to promote the band and its activities. The presentation was made on April 14, 2018 during the GSB's concert in Kings Mountain. Bill Todd, president, presented the award. Congratulations Karen.