Gabriel Staznik – From AMT to the USAF!
Since early 2009, AMT Original Show guests have witnessed the talents of Gabriel Staznik, drummer and percussionist with our super AMT Band/Orchestra. With the closing of our 2015 Christmas Show, we said goodbye to Gabe as he prepares for an exciting new chapter in his life – as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force and the Drummer for the Air Force’s premier rock band, Max Impact.
“Over the years I have had several great and inspiring teachers who were musicians in the premier military bands in Washington, DC,” Gabe said when asked about his motivation to pursue an opportunity with Max Impact. “It has been a dream of mine to perform amongst them and in these ensembles one day. When I heard of the audition for Max Impact, I was excited because this type of band, playing commercial music, has been my specialty and what I have been doing professionally. Furthermore, Max Impact is an incredible band with some of the best musicians in the country. They have incredible performance opportunities all while representing the Air Force.” Gabe continued that “There was a difficult audition process narrowed down from over 60 applicants from around the country.”
Gabe also shared his thoughts on his tenure at AMT, saying “I cannot express enough how much I have enjoyed my time at American Music Theatre. When I first began here in 2009, I never imagined what an amazing career this would turn into. After seven years and 20 Original Shows, without a doubt, I’ve grown both musically and as a person. Thank you all so much for your continued support!”
Click here, or watch the clip below, to check out a great video of Max Impact being backed by other USAF premier ensembles. Gabe noted that he actually played this song with the band during his audition. Most recently, Max Impact released their latest music video, performed at half-time at a NY Giants game in front of 82,000 fans, and will soon head to Nashville to record their next original song.
We wish Gabe, his wife Rebecca, and their brand-new son, Gabriel, all the best, and thank them for their service, both at AMT and with the USAF!