By: Nischal Jasti

Gaviola with his trombone (NISCHAL JASTI/RAIDERREVIEW)

SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Senior Paolo Gaviola is one of Silver Creek High School’s two co-drum majors for the 2025-26 school year.

As co-drum major, Gaviola often substitutes for band director, Ms. Lee, when she’s absent. He also serves as section leader for the low brass instruments like trombone, tuba and baritone leading them during sectional practices. 

He is also part of Tri-M, an honor society for musicians, and currently serves as its co-president. Gaviola started playing the trombone in fifth grade. “I thought it looked easy, and I thought I could easily swap into any instrument”. In freshman year, Gaviola picked up the drumset. He took a liking to playing it with Tri-M, and hopes to continue playing after graduating high school, although he is not sure if he feels the same about the trombone. 

Outside of school, Gaviola has also been in the SJSU honors wind ensemble for three years, moving up to first chair on trombone this year. He also plays in the seasonal concerts held at the Villages, a country club. Gaviola also plays drums at his church.

He cites his friend, clarinetist and fellow band co-president Lucas Wang, as an inspiration,“Seeing him be such a talented player really inspired me, because he’s the same grade as me,” he says. In addition to playing the drums and trombone, he hopes to learn the electric bass, which he says would bring a unique sound to the band.