Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Gallo.
Hi Pamela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The music ministry at church was where I started singing. When our small ensemble needed a bass player, I volunteered. Each Sunday, I played the bass and sang, connecting with lyrics and worshipping with my whole heart.
Soon after, my brother, Steve, invited me to start an LA-based group called Hot Coals. Steve and I would travel from San Diego to LA on a weekly basis to develop our sound and record songs. During our time recording and performing, I met my future husband, John Gallo. I was absolutely head over heels and had decided that music would have to be on hold while I perused family life.
When my youngest started preschool, a local friend asked me to sing backup vocals in a rock band. I enjoyed music so much that playing a few times a year wasn’t enough.
I attended an informal audition for Full Strength (Full Strength Funk Band, at that time). At the next rehearsal, the band leader asked if I was available to sing in a series of summer gigs. I remember telling my husband, “I guess I’m in.” I’ve been “in” for the past ten years. I took a short hiatus after the unexpected passing of my husband. Barely being able to see through my grief and sadness, I was advised to say “yes” to any and all musical opportunities, as music was a part of my life before my marriage. Music brought hope to my broken heart. It describes God’s beauty. It celebrates the joys and sorrows through relationships. It’s transformed my bandmates into family. It is who I am. Music is integral to my very being. My hope is that my love for music, the joy I have for performing, reaches out to the audience.
I currently perform with Full Strength throughout San Diego County and Drivin’ the Bus, a north county jam band.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Unlike life, music has always remained a constant. It brought peace, order, and joy in some of the most tumultuous times. Bandmates have come and gone, I lost the love of my life, my kids are grown and mostly out of the house; however, music has always been that safe space where I could reconnect with my artistic expression.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an educator specializing in STEM, teaching young minds at UCUC Preschool in University City. I love listening to the children, using their interests to shape the curriculum around what they want to learn. I’m reminded of my purpose every day when watching the children dive into the lessons and not only embrace them but add to them with their own questions and insights. I enjoy using resources outside the classroom, such as the Natural History Museum Lending Library, to expand our learning program from theoretical to a more tactile experience. I take every opportunity to inject literacy, engineering, math, or science into educational subjects to bring an exciting, hands-on, and fun experience to our classroom.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My brother, sister and I would mischievously round up all the neighborhood kids for daily excursions that ranged from dirt bike races to exploring sewer systems to full tackle football games. We built a diverse community where we played, ate, and worked together that bonded us for life and provided a lifetime of memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fullstrength.band/
- Instagram: @fullstrengthband
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100064071580001/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/MQ5UkL8A6IQ
Image Credits
Patti Beres
Brent Haywood
