Col. Arnald D. Gabriel,
USAF Band (Ret.)
Col. Gabriel’s combination of achievements is unique. His twenty-one-year tenure at the highest point of military music, Commander/Conductor of The United States Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra and Singing sergeants of Washington, D.C. was the longest in that organization’s history. His military service began as an army infantryman in World War II, a combat machine gunner in the famed 29th Infantry Division, receiving the Combat Infantryman Badge, two Bronze Star medals for battlefield bravery, and the French Croix de Guerre.
He had a second career as professor and music department chair of George Mason University, and he is held in unsurpassed admiration as a guest conductor of community bands in all parts of America. Gabriel is also unique in holding three degrees from Ithaca College: the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in music education (1950, 1953), and the Honorary Doctor of Music (1989).
Col. Gabriel was named Music Director Emeritus of the McLean (VA) Orchestra for his outstanding leadership from 1986 to 2002. “The Band of the Nation’s Capital”, the 257th Army Band, appointed Col. Gabriel as “Conductor Emeritus, where he appears on a semi regular basis conducting concerts and work sessions in which he shares his vast experience and knowledge with the musicians of the band. In December 2012, the Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference gave the unprecedented, first and only “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Col. Gabriel.
As a conductor, he has thrilled audiences in all fifty states and over fifty countries. He continues to appear as clinician at major state, regional, and university music festivals and guest conducts outstanding school, college, community, and military bands as well as orchestras around the world.
Assistant Conductor, Anthony Maiello
Anthony J. Maiello is Professor of Music and University Professor at George Mason University. Professor Maiello teaches applied lessons in Conducting, Aural Skills, and classes in Instrumental Conducting. From 1996 to 2009, he conducted the Mason Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Under his direction, the ensembles at both Crane and George Mason University commissioned new works, made numerous recordings and appeared at national and international conferences.
Professor Maiello also makes professional appearances both nationally and abroad conducting music festivals, adjudicating ensembles and presenting clinics, lectures and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Europe. He conducted musical activities for the Gold Medal Ceremonies at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York; served as Musical Director for Music Festivals International; was selected as President of International Association of Jazz Educators – New York State Chapter; and is a guest clinician for Yamaha Corporation and Warner Bros. Publications. In March of 2010, he was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame at Music for All’s Indianapolis headquarters.
Maiello received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York in 1965 and 1967 respectively, and has extensive experience teaching in the public schools and at the university level. While at the Crane School of Music, Potsdam College of SUNY, Potsdam, New York, he served as a Professor of Music and Chairman of Performance, where he taught Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Applied Clarinet, Woodwind Techniques, Percussion Techniques and conducted the Crane Wind Ensemble.
In 2007, Maiello was awarded the title of “University Professor” by the GMU Board of Visitors, the highest rank given to Mason faculty members. Maestro Maiello is the founder and Conductor/Artistic Director of the American Festival Pops Orchestra, a professional ensemble in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.