At 18 years of age and an avid trombonist in high school, I was excited to learn in the Bay Area Reporter that a gay band was being formed by Jon Sims.
Although being gay at the time in 1978 was viewed as a sickness by society which caused people to hide to avoid persecution, I wanted to find a community to be a part of to be with people like myself.
Putting music to our cause was a real rush. Hearing thousands of people cheering and screaming while we played “California, Here I Come” turning the corner of Spear onto Market Street was a memory I will never forget. I still get goose bumps thinking about it.
Many years of community outreach with the San Francisco Pride Band (at the beginning it was the San Francisco Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps) has brought acceptance to many persons who bear witness to our musical joy and happiness at being ourselves and out and proud.
Now at age 60, my current favorite experiences with the Band are the community concerts where we showcase our fine musicianship.
I was a student at SFSU pursuing a Music Performance degree and also studied jazz at UCD where I participated in a workshop and performance with Dizzy Gillespie. Brass Quintet music is my passion and I enjoy attending the HSU Summer Brass Chamber Music Workshop from time to time.