About the Concert
The San Francisco Pride Band, the official band of San Francisco, presented a powerful late-summer concert titled RISE: Anthems of Resilience, under the baton of guest conductor Matthew Fell. This inspiring program honored the strength of community and the quiet, persistent acts of love that move us forward.
This was the second of two 1-hour community concerts in summer 2025 as the Band worked towards selecting a new Artistic Director of Concert Bands. The first was Dance, Drift, Descarga!, conducted by Dr. Sixto Montesinos, Jr.
The Program
The concert featured two commissioned works that center the LGBTQ+ experience. City Trees by Michael Markowski (2012) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Pride Bands Alliance. It is a deeply personal reflection on resilience and growth in challenging environments. John and Jim by Viet Cuong (2025) pays tribute to Jim Obergefell and John Arthur, the Ohio couple at the heart of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court case that secured marriage equality nationwide. The piece thoughtfully weaves in Pachelbel’s Canon in D, echoing themes of love and commitment.
- “March” from Second Suite in F | Gustav Holst
- City Trees | Michael Markowski
- John and Jim | Viet Cuong
- Noisy Wheels of Joy | Eric Whitacre
- Give Us This Day | David Maslanka
About Guest Conductor Matthew Fell
Matthew Fell is an accomplished music educator and conductor dedicated to helping performers achieve their full potential through transformative musical experiences. He holds degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance from BIOLA University and a Masters in Instrumental Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University. These experiences shaped his philosophy that exceptional music education must balance technical excellence with personal growth and a community of acceptance.
Currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Amador Valley High School, Mr. Fell co-leads the 300-member marching program and directs the top jazz ensembles. His student-focused approach creates an environment where musicians of all levels feel supported while being challenged to grow. This philosophy was honed during his tenure as Director of Bands at Serrano High School (2016-2023), where he worked to revitalize the program that first inspired his own musical journey, emphasizing both artistic achievement and personal development.