Gabriel Báez Moreno was born on October 28, 1998, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. From an early age he ventured into the world of music, playing guitar with his mother and grandfather. When he was 8 years old, he got accepted into the “Escuela Libre de Música Juan Morel Campos” in Ponce, where he began playing the tuba. During this period, he took part in several musical ensembles of the institution such as the trombone ensemble, Youth Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Stage Band. In 2016, Báez graduated with high honor in both tuba and Electric Bass. Shortly after, he was admitted to the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce in Education, with a scholarship awarded to the members of the band. During that year, Báez was part of some musical projects, among these was the foundation of a Salsa Orchestra and bohemian musical group. However, he continued to perform with the tuba through the “Experiencia Sinfónica”program with the former tubist of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Rubén Ramírez.
In 2017, he auditioned for the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. In recent years he has been part of several brass quintets, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Puerto Rico, the Concert Band and the brass ensemble of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. Báez has been a substitute musician for the Camerata Pops Orchestra, Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra and Borinquen Brass. In February of 2021,Gabriel became the tubist ofthe Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and in 2022 he got tenure. During that same year he debuted as a soloist with the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music Concert Band, performed his graduation recital, and completed his bachelor’s degree in Performance at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. In the summer, Báez played in Fresno with FOOSA Music Festival, attended the Euphonium and Tuba Institute at Eastern Music Festival and performed at the Chicago Symphony Center with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. At the moment, Gabriel continues to play with the Orchestra and working on various concerts across Puerto Rico, while pursuing to do a master’s degree.
What They Play
EBC832
The EBC832 is the result of innovation not seen in the tuba community. This compact tuba combines the agility and response of 4/4 size tuba, with the sound and color of a much larger tuba.
- Key of CC, 4/4 size
- .689" bore
- 19 3/4" yellow brass, upright bell
- York style 4 front-action pistons + 5th rotary valve
- Clear lacquer finish
- Deluxe case