About

Gabriel Saldaña (b. 2003) lives in Las Vegas, Nevada and is working towards a Master of Music in Composition. A First-Generation student and McNair Scholar, Gabriel is currently attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studies with composers Jennifer Bellor, Diego Vega, and Viet Cuong.

In May 2026, Gabriel graduated from Colorado State University Pueblo with his Bachelor of Arts in Music, as well as minors in Jazz Studies and Music Theory/Composition. During his time at CSU Pueblo, he was in the Thunderwolves Marching Band for four seasons, where he was the Sousaphone Section Leader for the 2023 season and Drum Major for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He was also the Secretary and Instrumental Music Representative for the CSU Pueblo Department of Music NAfME Chapter, as well as the Principal Tuba in the Wind Ensemble and played trombone in the Jazz Ensemble.

During his time at Colorado State University Pueblo, Gabriel found a love for music composition. Under his mentor, Dr. David Volk, he was able to express his many musical ideas and share them with the world. His most recent compositions include Saxophone Quartet No. 1, a piece in four movements inspired by composers like Debussy and Ravel, and Symphonic Poems on Colorado, a wind ensemble piece celebrating Colorado’s 150 years of statehood. Gabriel also studied tuba and trombone with Charles Ortega and Dr. Ryan van Gilder, respectively.

Gabriel’s recent career highlight involves a commission from the Colorado Brass Quintet, one of two chamber ensembles connected to the award-winning British-style brass band, Colorado Brass. Opportunity, inspired by the twin Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, was the result of that commission. The Colorado Brass Quintet performed the piece in the Chamber Ensemble Competition at the 2026 North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships, where they earned 3rd place.

In his free time, Gabriel enjoys spending time with his friends and partner, Kyra, playing video games, and watching movies. Gabriel plans to graduate with his Masters degree in May of 2028, then go on to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition.