Matthew Doiron began his musical study on the trumpet at age ten. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Keene State College and a Master of Science degree from the American Band College at Southern Oregon State. While in Oregon, he worked with many fine musicians such as Frederick Fennell, Francis McBeth, and Johann DeMeij.

Since 1992, Mr. Doiron has held the position of Director of Bands at Sanford High School in Sanford, Maine. Under his direction, the program has grown to include over 100 students in concert, marching, jazz and pep bands. During his tenure at SHS the concert band has been awarded “superior” awards at state and New England band festivals on five occasions.  The SHS jazz ensemble has performed with noted jazz trumpeter Tiger Okoshi and the marching band has had many successful seasons including a USSBA New England regional championship in 2003.

In addition to his many duties at SHS, Mr. Doiron has guest-conducted ensembles throughout New England.  As a trumpet player, Mr. Doiron has performed with the Monadnock and Windham orchestras as well as many community bands and brass quintets throughout northern New England.

He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the New Hampshire Band Directors Association, and chairman of the Maine chapter of the National Band Association.

Mr. Doiron resides in Sanford, Me., with his wife and two daughters.

Conductor
Matthew Doiron

Bruce Gatchell has served as Assistant Conductor for the Strafford Wind Symphony since Spring 1999. Mr. Gatchell, a graduate of Keene State College, began his musical education career in Rochester as director of instrumental music, followed by fifteen years in the Concord Union School District as vocal and instrumental director at Concord High School. He has also served at Plymouth State College as adjunct professor of low applied brass, and as the interim director of the Symphonic Band. In addition, Mr. Gatchell has served 29 years as a teacher, conductor, and head counselor for the University of New Hampshire Summer Youth Music School (SYMS).

Now retired as instrumental music teacher in the Epping Public Schools, he continues as Music Director for the Leddy Center for the Performing Arts Broadway Musical productions. Mr. Gatchell brings with him a wealth of conducting experience with specialty bands throughout the Northeast at the junior high, high school, and collegiate level.

Assistant Conductor
Bruce Gatchell