Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is our largest ensemble, drawing more than 100 performers each season. Audiences are enamored by the group’s repertoire, which spans from traditional band literature and orchestral transcriptions to show tunes. The ensemble frequently performs with special guests and for other community organizations, and has been featured at Chicago landmarks like the Chicago Cultural Center and the Athenaeum Theater.

Our seasons usually run from January to April and August to November, with rehearsals on Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rehearsals and performances usually take place at:

DePaul School of Music’s Holtschneider Performance Center
2330 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

The concert schedule for the symphonic band is determined in the spring of each year.
All members and friends of the LGBTQ community are welcome to perform with us.
We’d love to have you join our ensemble!

Contact the Symphonic Band

Upcoming Performances

Membership Inquiry

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Symphonic FAQs

Many of our members have had decades-long gaps in their performing history. We understand you’ll be rusty – there’s no shame in taking it down an octave, dropping out and letting the rest of your section cover for you, or doing whatever works for you. Your section will be friendly and helpful and do their best to get you back in the groove of things. A few years in, when you’ve got your chops back, we just ask you help other newbies remember how it all works, too.

With an organization as large, busy, and diverse as the band, we know how important it is that people understand what’s going on!

Announcements

Each rehearsal, our main announcement time is just before break. If you wish to make an announcement, just raise your hand or stand up when no one else is talking. Announcement items should be generally relevant to the Band and kept fairly short.

Text communication

Our member resources officer will share instructions for signing up for text alerts, which we use to send important messages about last-minute rehearsal or performance changes, etc.

Section leader

Each section has a section leader that has been a member for multiple years. The section leader will be your personal liaison to the rest of the band.

Weekly newsletter

Our email newsletter goes out once a week, usually on Fridays. It’s a great source of information about what’s happening currently with all Lakeside Pride ensembles, including upcoming events, calls for volunteers, performance opportunities, and rehearsal notes from the conductors.

Facebook group

You’ll be invited to join the Lakeside Pride Facebook group, as one more way to stay informed about band activities, share pictures, join events, and generally stay connected.