Gary begins his sixteenth season as principal timpanist with Gulf Coast Symphony. He is also former principal timpanist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

He began playing at an early age and continued into military service performing in a USAF Drum & Bugle Corps. After military service, he took a long hiatus and resumed playing after relocating to Florida. He has performed in various local concert bands as well as Edison College Concert Band studying percussion/performance. He has also performed frequently with many local church ensembles and other groups throughout the area.

He is an avid music listener and student of American Civil War history.