KIRK GAY, Principal Percussion
    Mr. Gay obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Northern Illinois University.  He later went on to study with Paul Yancich and Richard Weiner at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he received his Master’s Degree in Timpani Performance.

    Mr. Gay marched in Star of Indiana Drum & Bugle Corps from 1986 – 1989 where he was 1989 DCI Timpani Individuals Champion and two time DCM Timpani Individuals Champion. He has taught and written for many drum and bugle corps including The Crossmen, Phantom Regiment, Magic of Orlando and The Yokohama Inspires from Japan. Mr. Gay was head arranger and caption head with Phantom Regiment in 1996 when they were DCI Champions.  He has also written for many bands across the country including Cypress Creek H.S. (FL), Churchill H.S. (TX) and Northrop H.S. (IN).

    In 1998 Mr. Gay toured Europe with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas.  He has performed with the Walt Disney World Orchestra, The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, The Orlando Philharmonic and currently is the Principal Percussionist with The Brevard Symphony Orchestra. 

    Recently Mr. Gay joined the faculty of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. There he teaches student lessons, directs “Black Steel”, the UCF steel drum ensemble and arranges for and instructs the Marching Knights Drumline. He is an endorser and clinician for Pro-Mark sticks and Sabian Cymbals.

DAWN MARIE EDWARDS, Principal Harp
    Dawn Marie Edwards, graduate of the Eastman School of Music, is an internationally known harpist.  She has toured Europe extensively with the Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon (where she was the Principal Harpist for four years) and the Orquesta Sinfonica de Tenerife of the Canary Islands.  While in Spain, Ms. Edwards recorded the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto available on the CineArt label.  She has also recorded with great artists such as Wynton Marsalis, James Galway, and Aurora Ginestera.  After recording with Wynton Marsalis, they toured most of the major halls of the eastern seaboard.  Dawn Marie has also recorded with fellow Eastman graduate, Jeff Tyzik on his recording of High Class Brass. 
    Performing artists with whom Ms. Edwards has performed include Natalie Cole, Bobbie McFerrin, Johnny Mathis, Doc Severinson, the Smothers Brothers, and Bernadette Peters.  She has also played Principal Harp for an extensive list of Broadway Shows that have included Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.

Since moving to Florida in 1995, Ms. Edwards has been the Principal Harpist of the Florida Orchestra, the Florida West Coast Symphony, and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.  She is currently employed as the Harpist for the Victoria Albert Restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World Resorts.  She regularly performs recitals throughout Central Florida.  She also a member of the newly formed Orlando Chamber Soloists.