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that will be used by the character. I have certain perimeters in which I operate as an actor; however, casting directors have always been very respectful and understanding of such things from my experience. It may cost being cast in roles and/or projects from time to time, but we all have to make our own choices in such things.” His career path began as a student at East Central, when he chose military service. He said he felt the call to serve in the military just as numerous members of his family had done before him. He began with a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps and would later join the Mississippi Air National Guard. He later relocated to serve in the Texas Air National Guard. Along the way, his love

After graduating from Newton County High School, Gaines continued to hone his musical talents at East Central. He was a mem-

Photo Courtesy of ABC, James Van Evers

for the arts and trying new things continued to grow. He said, “I remained involved in music when at all possible and also began being involved in film work which I thoroughly enjoy to this day. Having

ber of the Collegians rock-n-roll band, Wall O’ Sound March- ing Band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and was a work-study student for

Photo Courtesy of Z.S. Photography

then band director the late Tom Carson. “Mr. Carson was someone who I certainly admired well prior to my attending East Central. I can remember attending Collegians concerts at EC while still in my early high school years. It was such an amazing experience for me at that time as there were few schools, if any, that offered a chance to be in a performance group of that type.

Photo Courtesy of S.J. Photography

… He was a great man and is truly missed. “What I remember most about East Central is that it truly felt like being part of a family. The staff were always very helpful. I was blessed to be involved in many differ- ent groups on campus, so I was able to stay connected with a number of the staff and students at that time. It was certainly a very comfortable, fun friendly environment. The highlights at EC for me at the time were having the oppor- tunity to travel and perform with the groups in which I was involved. I always enjoyed it.” East Central is a tradition for the Gaines family. His par- ents, Jim and Patricia Gaines, his wife, Detra (Carter), and oldest daughter, Alexis, along with many other extended family members, attended EC. He said his younger children, Corey and Elizabeth, have already spoken of their possible interest in attending when it’s time for college, which is something the Gaines are happy about. For clips of just a few of Gaines roles, visit www.imdb. com/name/nm4699944/.

a very supportive fam- ily and the many life experiences that I have

been blessed to have over the years have certainly contributed towards my involvement and achieve- ments in life as an actor and overall as an individual.” As for what comes next, Gaines said he continues to have projects in development and is blessed to be represented by some of the best agents in the industry. “I work both on and off set, and am very grateful. I be- lieve the next project that will be released is a Sony Films feature, that was filmed in Arkansas, but I haven’t received exact release dates yet.” Gaines said his love of the arts began with a superhero- themed record player given to him by his parents, which he would use to listen to his mother’s enormous record collec- tion. He said it was rare that he wasn’t surrounded by music in his home growing up. “As my music involvement continued to move forward, I eventually graduated from the superhero record player,” he said. Photo Courtesy of Z.S. Photography

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