RISE: Anthems of Resilience

The San Francisco Pride Band, the official band of San Francisco, invites audiences to a powerful late-summer concert titled “RISE: Anthems of Resilience,” under the baton of guest conductor Matthew Fell. This inspiring program honors the strength of community and the quiet, persistent acts of love that move us forward.

The concert features 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.

Join us for an afternoon of music, meaning, and celebration.

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.

Featured works include:

• 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

This is the second of two 1-hour community concerts this summer as the Band works towards selecting a new Artistic Director of Concert Bands.

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Getting There

Health and Safety Information

The San Francisco Pride Band takes Covid-19 seriously. See the band’s full Health & Safety Plan for more information.

For this performance, the Band follows CDPH guidance for the current community transmission level at the venue. At time of writing, recommendations are as below; they are subject to change as the situation and guidance evolves.

• Masking. It is strongly recommended that all audience members are vaccinated against COVID and up-to-date per eligibility criteria for COVID vaccination.  Audience members can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their own personal level of risk. Members of vulnerable populations should consider masking with a mask that provides the best fit and filtration.
• Symptom status.  Prospective audience members who are symptomatic are asked to stay home until 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Post-Concert Notification. Audience members are encouraged to notify the Band at covid@sfprideband.org if they experience COVID-like symptoms or test positive for COVID within 7 days after attending.