KEVIN BAKER
The GSB is proud of its Student members. The following album highlights Kevin Baker directing the Ashbrook Symphonc Band at their Christmas concert. Kevin is a senior at Ashbrook High School. In addition to being principal trombonist in their Advanced Wind Ensemble, he plays Saxophone with the Symphonic Band. Kevin is also the Teacher's Aide for the Symphonic Band. Oh, he's just been accepted into Western Carolina's excellent music program. We're proud to say he is a 3 year member of the GSB.
Christopher Seay
Chris is a Senior at Southpoint High School and a 3 year student member of the GSB. As a Teacher Cadet, Chris recently got to conduct the Seventh Grade band at Cramerton Middle School. This outstanding young man will be at Western Carolina University next year. The GSB is proud of Chris' achievements.
Kat Huffsmith
Not only does Kat play a mean tuba, she's the 2017 Cherry Eating Champion of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. Way to go, Kat!
Not only does Kat play a mean tuba, she's the 2017 Cherry Eating Champion of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. Way to go, Kat!
Cherry Eatin Champion
From New Student Member Chloe Gault
- I'm going to take a moment to tell y'all about Gaston Symphonic Band. This band y'all. I can't even begin to describe how happy I am to be apart of this wonderf...ul group.
Those who know me well, know that I have been involved in music all my life. It's a staple. It's a giant part of who I am.
And those that know me very well know that musically, the past couple years have been very hard.
I loved high school band but some very important people almost ruined it for me with their blind hatred of me, not to mention their very unprofessional attitude. I almost quit band seven times in high school. But I persevered. Because music is life.
When I went to UNCG, I didn't have a place to play music the first semester, the band offered to me was during a necessary class for my major. So I didn't play. The next semester I made UNCG Seraphim and was happy to be singing (and worshiping) again. But I decided I had to leave UNCG for my mental stability.
So now I'm at Gaston, and at first I didn't think about joining the Gaston Symphonic Band since it had been so long since I had played in a big band, but I decided to give it a try. And y'all, I could not be happier. This is a group of people who are so talented, fun, nice, and kind. Tonight as I played with the full band, including strings, I was happy. I finally felt like no matter what happened I was okay, because music. Maybe you don't understand what this means to me, but think of it this way... I was drowning and music has again saved me. Thank God for music and thank God for an awesome group to make it with.
Student Program
Gaston County advanced high school musicians seek out the Gaston Symphonic Band as a means to further their experience and education in music. Students that have reached a high proficiency level in the High Schools can audition with the GSB. Band Directors are encouraged to write letters of recommendation for them to present.
These students are welcomed and integrated in the band with the seasoned players. There are many documented examples of students receiving individual assistance from our performers. Performers like current and former band directors, professional players and even military bandsmen from the Marine and Navy Bands. The band swells from an average of about 45 performers to the 70s, making the Christmas and Spring concerts quite spectacular. Students are recognized for their accomplishments in school. Most are selected in the All County and All State programs. Last year the GSB boasted three students in the Governor’s School. The student program in the GSB is truly a win-win.
Gaston County advanced high school musicians seek out the Gaston Symphonic Band as a means to further their experience and education in music. Students that have reached a high proficiency level in the High Schools can audition with the GSB. Band Directors are encouraged to write letters of recommendation for them to present.
These students are welcomed and integrated in the band with the seasoned players. There are many documented examples of students receiving individual assistance from our performers. Performers like current and former band directors, professional players and even military bandsmen from the Marine and Navy Bands. The band swells from an average of about 45 performers to the 70s, making the Christmas and Spring concerts quite spectacular. Students are recognized for their accomplishments in school. Most are selected in the All County and All State programs. Last year the GSB boasted three students in the Governor’s School. The student program in the GSB is truly a win-win.