Neyom Friday

A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, Gabriel Ayala is at the forefront ofa new generation of Native Americans making a career performing classical music. He earneda Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997, has taught atall educational levels from elementary through college, and serves as a competition adjudicator.Although Gabriel truly enjoys being a teacher his busy touring schedule allows him to only teachin masterclass settings. Ayala performs regularly throughout the United States and has appeared at the Poway Center for Performing Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Museum for the American Indian, and Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2010, Gabriel was honored to perform at the Musical Instrument Museum in a series called “Guitar Masters”. Hehas been recognized by the former State of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, now Directorof Homeland Security, for his musical achievements. In addition, he has also been honored