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!

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Symphonic FAQs

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.

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.