Laurel Wachtler, String Education Coordinator

Laurel Wachtler, violinist, hails from New Mexico, where she graduated with a B.S. degree from New Mexico State University. She has played in numerous orchestras while following her Air Force husband’s career, including Phillips Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland where she was principal second violin. Upon arrival in Fayetteville, Laurel began performing with Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and is in her 24th year. She is a frequent performer with Florence Symphony, Wilmington Symphony, and Carolina Philharmonic. Laurel has been a part of the Snyder Memorial Baptist Church orchestra and The Singing Christmas Tree productions for 12 years. She has maintained an active private studio since 2010 teaching violin and beginning piano. Laurel was the assistant director for FSYO strings and Sinfonietta for four years and has now become the String Education Coordinator responsible for both string youth groups, including summer camps.
Outside of music, Laurel’s interests include flying airplanes, scuba diving, hiking, gardening, and singing with The Coventry Carolers. She is also a volunteer tax preparer for AARP’s Tax-Aide program.

Barbara Gates, Lower Strings Coach

Barbara Salter Gates, cellist, performs regularly throughout eastern North Carolina as both a soloist and chamber musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from East Carolina University and a Master of Library Science degree from NC Central University.  A former orchestra director for Pitt and Cumberland County Schools, she is now a freelance ‘cellist, private instructor of ‘cello, and co-director of Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Sinfonietta. Barbara is a member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphony String Quartet, Carolina Philharmonic, Barton Wilson Symphony Orchestra, Crystal Coast Musicians and Elegant Ensembles. She currently resides in Fayetteville with her son, Ryan, and their many rescued pets.