Drew Gasparini
Class of 2004
Concert Choir • Jazz Choir • Musical Theater
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For Drew Gasparini, San Marin was where a love of harmony, songwriting, and collaboration began—and where Emily Gates gave him the space to put on his first musical.
Today, Drew is a composer, lyricist, and songwriter for Broadway, the West End, film, television, and beyond. His music has been heard in Super Bowl commercials, on network television, and on concert stages around the world—from The Kennedy Center to the Sydney Opera House.
Career HighlightsDrew is the composer and lyricist for several musicals including the adaptation of The Karate Kid, which is currently on tour in the UK. He was a songwriter on the cult-favorite TV series, NBC's Smash. His musical We Aren't Kids Anymore was originally performed at San Marin and is now in development for a commercial production on London's the West.
His other musicals include adaptations of the novels It’s Kind of a Funny Story and The Whipping Boy, Night Shift with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, and The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers. His musical theater album I Could Use a Drink has inspired sold-out concerts around the world, including a live revue at London’s Garrick Theatre. In addition to his work in theater, television, and film, Drew has carved out a niche in advertising, writing songs for two highly successful Super Bowl campaigns: the CLIO Award-winning Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical, starring Michael C. Hall, and Booking.com’s “Somewhere, Anywhere,” starring Melissa McCarthy. Learn more about Drew’s work at thedrewgasparini.com
Drew has continued to give back to his Novato roots over the years, collaborating with local performing arts and music programs. He served as musical director for Marin Summer Theater’s production of Spring Awakening and has returned to share his original song cycles with the community.
“Emily Gates changed my life. She offered me a space. She would do it for any student of hers. She spotted my potential and offered me a stage—the San Marin Student Center—for me to put on my first-ever beta musical.”
REFLECTIONS & ADVICEReflecting on San Marin’s impact, Drew credits the music and theater programs with shaping both his creativity and some of his closest relationship.
“My life was deeply impacted by my participation in San Marin’s music and theater departments. Some of my best friends were made there. I found my love for harmony all because of choir. I learned more about collaboration and team-building in music and musical theater than I did in any other setting.”
He also remembers Emily Gates as a teacher who recognized his potential and gave him the space to explore it.
“Emily Gates changed my life. She offered me a space. She would do it for any student of hers. She spotted my potential and offered me a stage—the San Marin Student Center—for me to put on my first-ever beta musical. It was such an act of support that taught me to accept help and trust myself. Shortly after this experience, I moved to New York City and found an amazing life in the arts as a professional writer. I owe so much of my life to her and the support I got from my fellow artists at San Marin.”
Drew’s advice for current San Marin students is to value the opportunity to explore the arts, whether or not they ultimately pursue them professionally.
“The arts—whether it be music, art, drama, etc.—are the most important, valuable, and fragile world for someone in their teenage years to live in. You don’t have to become an ‘amazing musician,’ but you do have the privilege of learning foundations for all those art forms, and the real gift is being able to express yourself, find your own voice or color, and build it on top of that foundation. Your future self will thank you for giving yourself that gift while you have it.”
