Gaston Symphonic Band - Memorial Day
Gastom Memorial Park Cemetery, 1200 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC
Gaston County Veterans Council Memorial Day Service.
Still one last chance to see the GSB this season. Memorial Day, May 28, 10:00 AM. Go the "Dates" for details.
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.
(L-R) John Gunter, Conductor, Janet Spencer, Ben Reavis, Producer
Janet Spencer representing the "Community Foundation of Gaston County" presenting a donation to The Gaston Symphonic Band. The presentation was made before the "Play It Again" concert on 10/13/17. THANK-YOU SO MUCH!!!!
To all who serve and have served; to those who guarantee our freedom; and especially to those who gave all. THANK YOU!
GSB receives special presentations. Pictures below:
Bill Kalbas and his wife attended the Veterans Day Concert of GSB entitled “75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor”. Bill and his wife were thrilled with the concert and story of Navy Band 22. Bill then purchased Molly Kent’s book – “The Last Band of The USS Arizona”. Since the concert and the reading of the book Bill has had many discussions with the concert producer, Ben Reavis.
Five months after seeing the concert Bill contacted Ben, and asked if you could address the band with some important information. At the April 20, 2017 rehearsal, Bill was given his chance to address the entire band. He mesmerized the group with a passionate and emotional presentation.
He began with telling the band how well they performed the Pearl Harbor Concert and how much it impacted him. He went on to tell of a recent trip to Ft. Walton Beach Florida. While visiting there he was able to attend a banquet for WWII survivors. To his utter surprise a gentleman in his nineties took the podium and introduced himself as Pearl Harbor survivor, Francis Emond. He was a member of “Navy Band 8” assigned to the USS Pennsylvania, a short distance from the Arizona. His ship was hit with a torpedo but was not sunk.
Bill was able to speak with him personally and tell him about the GSB’s commemoration of Navy Band 22. Francis was thrilled and explained that he was in Pearl Harbor at the same time and the book confirms that Navy Band 22 watched Navy Band 8 play in a contest on the evening of December 6, 1941. Francis said Navy Band 8 was also assembled for “morning colors” on the fantail for the National Anthem at 8:00 AM of December 7, 1941, when the bombs fell.
Bill presented the Gaston Symphonic Band with a signed poster from Francis L. Emond, USN Band 8. The poster and especially the heartfelt story will be a long-lasting memory for the band.
Thanks Bill,
Ben Reavis, Concert Producer
The 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
South Point High School Band Students Participating in GSB Spring Concert
Front Row: Christopher Seay, Stephanie Ewing, Jasmine Stokes, Jade Harris, Sophia Pons Back Row: Mark Ewing, Tim Hamilton -SPHS Band Director, John Gunter, GSB Director
The GSB is proud to have Mark Ewing as a member. He has anchored our Tuba section for ten years. He and his family should be proud that Mark's musical and leadership abilities are being honored. Congratulations, Mark Ewing!
Experiencing a GSB concert is exciting and exhilarating. Each one is unique in both music selection, instrumentation and presentation. The band may use a full choir, dancers, strings, soloists, ensembles, even bell ringers and who could forget the BOOM of live cannons. Service to Gaston County is important to the band. You may see them at a veterans program at Memorial Park, entertaining at the Christmas Tree lighting in Downtown Gastonia, dedicating a monument on main street and even delighting the crowd at the Yule Log festival in McAdenville.
The band extends a sincere thank you to the loyal fans that enthusiastically attend their events. Thank you to the donors and sponsors that allow the band to concentrate on being the best they can be. If you are reading this and have not been to a GSB concert. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!! It is awesome and it is always offered at no charge! Please get out and support YOUR band. Make sure to come up afterwards and say hello when you are there.
The finest musicians, equipment, music, conductors, instructors and the pride of accomplishment makes up your band.
Gaston Symphonic Band - Memorial Day
Gastom Memorial Park Cemetery, 1200 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC
Gaston County Veterans Council Memorial Day Service.