NEWS

Gaston Symphonic Band musicians always eager to play

Ted Hall
Three members of the Gaston Symphonic Band spoke during a presentation to the Belmont Rotary Club. From the left are club President Whitney Norton with band members Bill Todd, Stephanie Abernethy and Bob Lowder.

"Don't ask us to play unless you really want us, because we'll show up," cautioned Gaston Symphonic Band member and former president Bob Lowder when he and two other musicians in the band spoke at a meeting of the Belmont Rotary Club.

The all-volunteer band was formed 31 years ago to give musicians eager to play an opportunity to connect with other musicians and to perform. "We really don't care when or where, we just want to play music," said Lowder.

Gaston Symphonic Band is a non-profit organization funded by grants from foundations, business sponsorships and donations. Members include band directors, teachers, students and family, friends and neighbors of members.

Trombone player Bill Todd is a retired airline pilot for whom performing in the band is a family affair, since his brother, children and grandchildren also are band members. 

Stephanie Abernethy first picked up a trumpet in fourth grade and has been playing at every opportunity since. Her son is a fourth-generation trumpet player at Appalachian State University.

Stephanie connected with the band through Bob and Bill and other friends in the brass group at First United Methodist Church in Gastonia.  "The band means family to me," she said. "I play music I adore with people I love."

Want to hear the Gaston Symphonic Band perform? Two opportunities are coming up:

  • December 9, 7 p.m., at First Assembly Church in Gastonia for the 11th Annual Christmas Festival Concert
  • December 10, 6:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly for a reprise of the  Christmas Festival Concert

For more details on these events and the Gaston Symphonic Band, visit − gsbinfo.org. 

Rotary is an international service organization with 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries. "Service Above Self" is the Rotary motto. Rotarians work together to promote peace, fight disease, support education, grow local economies and protect the environment.

Belmont Rotary Club, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, meets for lunch and a program on local topics each Wednesday, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Belmont. Guests interested in learning more about local businesses and issues and how Rotary serves the community are welcome. For more information, visit www.belmontrotaryclub.com.

Ted Hall is a member of Belmont Rotary Club.