Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles is Chicago’s premier family of performance groups for members and friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. The Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band was founded in 1997, embodying the vision of the original Chicago-based Great Lakes Freedom Marching Band, which formed in 1979 as one of the first LGBTQ bands of its kind.

They’re all listed on our calendar.

We request that you not miss more than three rehearsals and make an effort to attend all performances.

We realize that weekends are precious, though, and needing to miss more rehearsals or some performances may be unavoidable. The most important thing is for your section leader to know in advance what you can and cannot commit to.

Our rehearsal sites and most performances are accessible by public transit, Uber, Lyft, and taxi. If that isn’t workable – we understand you’re probably traveling with an instrument – we encourage you to get in touch. There might be another member in your area we can pair you with.

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.

All members and friends of the LGBTQ community are welcome to perform with us. About a quarter of our membership are straight, cis-gender allies.

We typically rehearse Sundays January to April for the spring season and August to November for the fall season from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All of our rehearsals and performances, including locations, are listed on our calendar.

Membership in all of our ensembles ranges from $90 to $120.

Payment plans and need-based concessions are available.

You are welcome to participate in the initial rehearsals without having paid dues.

Most musicians bring their own instruments.

For some instruments, like percussion, Lakeside Pride has a small number of instruments that are available for members to use.

In rare instances, a member may have an instrument available to lend to another member.

Bring a music stand, a tuner, and a pencil.

The symphonic band’s repertoire includes new and traditional band literature, orchestral transcriptions, pop and show tunes, and other audience favorites. The ensemble frequently performs with special guests, such as the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and composer Robert Sheldon.

There are no auditions for any Lakeside Pride ensemble. We welcome musicians of all playing abilities.

Ask away! symphonic@lakesidepride.org