Interested in playing with the San Francisco Pride Band?
Our members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Some perform regularly, some are returning after years away from their instrument, and others are looking for a new musical community. Whatever brings you here, we’re glad you’re considering joining us.
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about membership, rehearsals, ensembles, dues, and getting started. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us. We’re happy to help.
Do I need to audition?
No. All three of our ensembles, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band, are non-audition.
I haven’t played in years. Can I still join?
Yes. Many of our members return to their instruments after months or even years away from playing. Whether you’re actively performing or just getting back into music, you’ll find opportunities to play, learn, and grow.
Many new members are surprised by how quickly they feel comfortable playing with the group.
If you’re feeling rusty, the Marching and Pep Bands can be a particularly welcoming and low-pressure way to get started.
Do I need to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to join?
No. Our members come from every walk of life, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. We welcome anyone who enjoys making music and supports our mission.
Which ensemble is right for me?
It depends on the type of musical experience you’re looking for, and many members participate in more than one ensemble.
The Concert Band is a 75-person symphonic ensemble that performs ticketed concerts at established venues a few times a year. It’s a good fit if you enjoy formal concert performances and want a structured rehearsal season.
The Marching Band performs in parades, Pride celebrations, civic parades like Chinese New Year and Veterans Day, and regional events across the Bay Area. It’s a good fit if you enjoy high-energy, high-visibility performances in front of large crowds. Marching Band gigs involve walking parade routes, so it does require a degree of physical mobility.
The Pep Band performs at community events, neighborhood celebrations, sporting events, and special appearances throughout the year. Pep Band gigs are typically sit-down or stand-in-place performances with no marching. It’s a good fit if you want flexible, informal performance opportunities, and is a more accessible option for those who prefer not to march.
Don’t play an instrument? You can still perform with us. The Twirling and Flag Corps performs in parades with simple, easy-to-learn routines, and no prior experience is needed. We also always need banner and flag carriers for parades.
What do I need to know about the Concert Band?
The Concert Band rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM in the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco. Each concert cycle includes nine to ten rehearsals leading up to the performance.
The Band performs four to five concerts per year, typically in March, May, September, December, and occasional summer events. The December concert is the Dance-Along Nutcracker, a fun, family-friendly interactive holiday show with four performances over one weekend.
Music is provided through our Membership Portal. Bring your instrument, a pencil, and a music folder.
What do I need to know about the Marching Band?
The Marching Band performs in parades throughout the year. Before each parade season, we typically hold two to three outdoor marching rehearsals on weekend mornings, plus indoor music rehearsals shared with the Pep Band on the third Thursday of the month.
No prior marching experience is required. Our parade style is low-impact and easy to pick up. We use a core-style roll step and a straightforward stride. Whether you marched in high school or have never marched before, you’ll be able to integrate quickly.
What do I need to know about the Pep Band?
The Pep Band performs at community events, neighborhood celebrations, sporting events, and special appearances throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on the third Thursday of the month from February through November, with occasional Tuesday evenings once per quarter.
Pep Band gigs are typically sit-down or stand-in-place performances with no marching. Music is shared with the Marching Band, so if you participate in both, you’re working from the same repertoire.
How often will I get to perform?
It depends on which ensembles you participate in, but the Band is active throughout the year.
Concert Band members perform four to five ticketed concerts annually. Marching and Pep Band members can participate in dozens of performances across Pride Month, civic parades, community events, and sporting events. Members who participate in all three ensembles have the most opportunities to perform.
The performance calendar shows upcoming performances open to audiences. Members also participate in private engagements, corporate events, and city-requested appearances, such as the annual Pride Month flag raising at SF City Hall, that aren’t listed publicly.
What about band dues?
Concert Band members pay $75 per calendar quarter. Members who participate only in Marching Band and Pep Band pay $75 per year. Your first quarter is free.
Dues help cover uniforms, rehearsal space, instruments, music, and other operating costs.
We don’t want financial circumstances to prevent anyone from joining the Band. If dues are a barrier, we offer waivers and discounts to help make participation accessible.
Interested in joining?
We’d love to hear from you. We’ll help you schedule a time to come check out a rehearsal.