Gabriel has played percussion since he was 11 years old. Originally wanting to become a rock drummer, he was fascinated by orchestral percussion and timpani. It was in these specific fields that he flourished from high school on. Throughout high school, Gabriel had been a member of both the All-Southern California and All-State California honor orchestras serving as the principal percussionist in both his senior year. He also attended the California Music Academy, a summer music camp for three of his four years of high school. Gabriel was a member of the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps his junior year. Gabriel also was a member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps from Concord, CA.

Upon his high school music director�s advice, he attended California State University, Fullerton as a percussion performance major. While at CSUF, Gabriel played in many groups including the University Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, as well as playing in the pit orchestra for a number of operas and musicals. While still pursuing his B.M. Gabriel was appointed the asst. conductor of the CSUF percussion ensemble and conductor of the Percussion Ensemble II. He graduated from CSUF with a B.M. in Percussion Performance in the winter of 2000. Gabriel currently serves as the Manager of Education Programs for the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestra. Gabriel�s programs reach 60,000+ per year throughout the New England area.

In addition to his studies, Gabriel remained active teaching throughout southern California. He has taught and arranged percussion at many well-known high schools in CA such as Vista High, Etiwanda High, and Mt. Carmel High School. He has also been on staff at Riverside Community College in Riverside, California and is currently a percussion consultant to Massachusetts�s music teachers.

Prior to moving to Boston, Gabriel was in demand in the Los Angeles/Orange County area as an orchestral, opera, and musical pit percussionist. Playing in shows such as: Will Rogers Follies, Jekyll and Hyde, Oliver, West Side Story, and Guys and Dolls. He has made appearances as a performer for the FOX and WB television networks and has recorded soundtracks for film and television. He has taught at all levels from 2nd grade through college

Gabriel�s professional life has led him to performances all over North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. He is still an active arranger and instructor. Presently, he is a guest clinician at Roland Hayes School of Music in Roxbury, MA.