Gil Silva performed with Holy Rosary Caballeros for 10 years, first as a tenor drummer, then as a baritone horn player. For 19 years, he served in a number of positions with Rhode Island Matadors, including baritone horn player, drill instructor, business manager and assistant director. He also worked with several junior corps as a drill designer and instructor. His administration history also includes spending six years as director of the Rhode Island Picadors junior corps, and six years as director and business manager of the Rhode Island Toreadors. More recently he served as chief judge of Drum Corps Associates (DCA) judging association. He became president of DCA in 2004, following the unexpected passing of long-time DCA president Mickey Petrone.
