Gabe Gatdula carefully tuned his tenor drums in the Salem High School gymnasium moments before a pep rally for Timothy Mosley, best known as Timbaland.
This was the Grammy-winning performer and producer’s school back in the day. He has worked with major artists such as Missy Elliott and Jay-Z, among others. He's won four Grammy Awards, three for work with Justin Timberlake and one with Beyonce.
Gatdula was one of the many people who welcomed him home.
Gatdula, a 17-year-old junior, is a percussionist. He’s proud of the drum line, the band and his role caring for instruments. And he was proud to play for someone who knew these halls and has gone out into the world and influenced music.
“We’re performing for this very special event for Mr. Timberland,” Gatdula said. “We’re here to perform a very popular pop song of his, and we've been working pretty hard on it.”
Soon Timbaland was there. In remarks, he remembered the early days of a journey that led him to stardom.
“How many big dreamers in this building?” he asked to cheers.
Students cheered. He told them to keep creating.
“It’s great to be back here,” he said.
Students were involved in celebrating Timbaland at the high school, Salem Middle School and College Park Elementary. Students contributed musical, dance, cheer and visual artistry to events.
The producer told reporters he was raised in a community that featured great music, including church, which influenced his ear.
“Music was always really in me,” he said in the library at College Park Elementary on Friday. “Sometimes, I just think that, you know, God gives you a gift. … Being in Virginia, you always heard great music. That’s the whole thing, whether you did a talent show outside of church. It was always great music from the high school band — Salem High School.”
“The future is downstairs,” he added, speaking of the students.
Timbaland said he wanted the weekend to be more than about him. He tried to recognize others he has worked alongside over the years, including some notable creators who also have local roots. There was a focus on charity, and he appreciated the effort of students.
“I want to tell the people, the kids at Salem, like imperfection is perfection,” he said. “Don’t get caught up in being the best … just be what your soul plays. And I think those kids played their hearts out, and it was true excitement. It was true musical experience.”
He wanted the students to keep believing and creating.
“Don’t chase the sound,” he advised. “Be the sound.”
Friday at College Park, School Board Member Alveta Green said she appreciated what Timbaland had to say about creating and community.
“Once you graduate,” Green said, “we want you to come back — and give back.”
The next morning, people gathered for the honorary renaming of Bridle Creek Boulevard as Timbaland Way. City Councilmember Cash Jackson-Green, who represents the district where the producer was raised, read a proclamation before the sign was unveiled.
In an interview, Jackson-Green said naming a street after Timbaland seemed like a great way to highlight the artist and all who pursue the arts in Virginia Beach.
“You matter to us,” he said. “You keep our community vibrant and alive.”
Salem High School’s band, among others, marched into the high school stadium before a ceremony during which Timbaland received a key to the city.
After it ended, Salem’s band played one last song in the stands.
“I say it went pretty good,” Gatdula said later. “Yeah, I think we're a great band. Pretty proud to perform in front of a very respected individual such as Timbaland.”
Gatdula isn’t sure music will be his career. He’s interested in medicine and might become a nurse. He has a heart for music, though. He hopes performing will be part of his life.
“I respect his interest in producing music because I also am interested in producing music,” Gatdula said.
