Student Members
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.
Caiden McDaniel
My name is Caiden McDaniel, and I play the French horn for the Gaston Symphonic Band. I am also a senior at Forestview High School and the drum major of the marching band.
I have been a member of the Gaston Symphonic Band since 2023. My main passion is music, but I also keep fish and enjoy learning about marine biology. My favorite thing about the Gaston Symphonic Band is the fact that it welcomes students of all skill levels, not just experienced players. The Gaston Symphonic Band has given me opportunities to play more advanced repertoire with adult musicians, which I am incredibly grateful for.
Cooper Hurley
Hello, my name is Cooper Hurley, and I play trumpet. I attend Forestview High School, where I play in the marching band and jazz band. I have been playing since middle school, and music is a significant part of my life, holding a special place in my heart and soul.
I started performing with Gaston Symphonic for their last concert in December, and have since learned and grown a lot. I love playing music outside of just my normal classes, and this band has helped me release what real talent looks like. When I perform with Gaston Symphonic, I am reminded of what can be accomplished when you fully commit to activities such as playing music. The band is a great place to refine my skills and learn new things as I get challenged with advanced and fun music that truly moves me. I am proud and grateful to play with such a talented group of people, and I am excited to continue learning and taking steps toward becoming a better musician.
From 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.