1. Do I have to play an instrument in order to join?

Absolutely not! We have a great need for non-musicians that include openings in our color guard (flag team) and we also require banner carriers for every parade. In addition, we need Band Aides who serve as water carriers and distributors, as well as pothole and horse poop blockers during the marching season. Also, during our concerts, non-musicians can assist in ushering and ticket taking as well as manning our front of house by selling raffle tickets and taking donations for baked goods. We also need production personnel to help produce concerts, management personnel to help handle band bookings and publicists to help publicize our performances.

2. Are you just a marching band?

No. We produce at least two major concerts a year, as well as performing at community events around the metropolitan area. We have played at the Hollywood Bowl in California (with the Lesbian and Gay Bands of America) and perform in concerts regularly up and down the East Coast.

3. What is your concert band instrumentation? Marching band?

We are a symphonic wind ensemble similar to a symphony orchestra, except that we have woodwinds in place of strings. We use flutes/piccolos, clarinets, saxophones, oboes, bassoons, trumpets, trombones, French horns, baritone horns, tubas and percussion. For the marching season we use piccolos, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, mellophones, baritones, tubas and percussion.

4. Do I have to be a professional musician to join?

No. We do have some professionals in our ranks, but most of us are amateurs.

5. It has been 5 (or 10, or 20) years since I last played in a band. Can I still join?

Of course. Many of our members had been away from their instruments for a long time when they joined us. You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes back once you start rehearsing regularly with other people!

6. I don’t play an instrument now, but I always wanted to learn one.

Good for you! Depending on which instrument you want to learn, we may be able to help you find a teacher. And while you are studying, you are welcome to sit in at our rehearsals and play what you can.

7. I’d love to join but I don’t have my instrument any more.

We do own a few instruments for the use of our members. If we don’t have an instrument available for what you need, we can help you find a low-cost rental.

8. I play an instrument, but I don’t read music. Can I still join?

We do require that our musicians be able to read music. We will be happy to help you find a music teacher if you wish to learn.

9. Does it cost anything to join?

Our members pay an annual membership fee of $20 and each season there is a $60 participation fee. Three seasons of participation can be paid up front for $160 each year. For our out-of-town marching trips, members usually pay for their transportation and lodging, however we do our best to make sure every musician goes and we have scholarship and sponsorship opportunities for those that have a financial need.

10. Do I have to audition to join?

We do not have auditions for musicians, however we do require that you be able to read music or currently be taking music lessons. During the marching season, the color guard and percussion have a more restricted join policy, so late admittance to these sections are usually avoided.

11. Do I have to be a lesbian or gay in order to join?

Absolutely not! Anyone who is capable of performing any of the numerous jobs available in the band is more than welcome to join us. We encourage diversity and currently have many members that identify as straight.

12. Where do you rehearse?

During concert season (September through May) we rehearse from 7-9:45pm Monday evenings. Currently, rehearsals are held at the Julia Richman Educational Complex at 317 E 67th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

During marching season (March-October/November) we rehearse from 6:30pm until sunset usually on Thursday evenings. We also have two main rehearsal spaces: Seravalli Park located in the Village on Hudson Street between Gansevoort and Horatio Streets and Pier 54 located on 13th Street and the Hudson River. Take 14th Street across the West Side Highway and turn left at the river. The Pier will be immediately on your right. Additionally, some rehearsals my be held at The Center located at 208 W 13th Street.

13. How will I know where to go when?

We have a weekly newsletter that has up-to-date information as well as a Yahoo! Group that we use to keep in touch with our members. You can request more information by contacting us at http://www.lgbac.org/contact, by calling our telephone at (212) 591-2886 or visiting our web-based calendar at http://www.lgbac.org/calendar.