Damien Gibson, a native New Orleanian, picked up his first instrument, the guitar,
in the third grade. Demonstrating little talent or interest in this instrument,
he swiftly moved on to the other lonely instrument abandoned by his older
siblings, the clarinet. Thanks to the inspiration of his talented band director,
Dennis Ruello, Damien's musical explorations took flight. His claim to fame in
grammar school was his recess "jam sessions," which entailed him grooving on
the clarinet to the popular 8-track tapes of the day.
As his musical appetite grew, Damien dabbled a little on the trumpet, saxophone,
and piano. The violin, however, was the unruly instrument that Damien was
determined to conquer under the superb guidance of his string teacher, Tim Mooney.
In high school, thanks to the violin, he was able to partcipate in the Lousiana All
State Orchestra concert for the fourth straight year despite a broken finger that kept
him off the clarinet. During his senior year of high school, Damien served as Brother
Martin High School's Drum Major under band directors Arthur Hardy and Marty Hurley.
Damien continued his musical studies at Loyola University, studying under Joseph Hebert,
Dean Angeles, Steve Cohen, Valerie Poulette, and John Reeks. At the University of North
Texas, he completed graduate studies under the tutelage of Angel Brusilov and James
Gillespie. Damien was very humbled to be distinguished as a Concerto Competition
finalist at both Loyola University and the University of North Texas.
Currently, Damien enjoys performing in New Orleans community theater and Sangaer
Broadway theater orchestras. He also moonlights as a guest performer at the Trinity
Episcopal Church. Wanting to spread the love of music to todays' youth, he also
teaches band and music at St. Anthony of Padua School in New Orleans.
Home