performances
If
you like to perform, you’ve picked the best community band in America!
The Band gets invited to more events than it can possibly accept. Since
you are new, it's too soon to talk much about performances, but as you
join the band there will be the opportunity to vote on performances.
You
need to be aware that the band decides to accept invitations by
sufficient individuals volunteering to perform for the event. We
generally vote for rather than against a performance. No one is obliged
to participate in an event if they do not wish to perform, but if you
say "yes" to a performance, you are committing to be there. If enough
people want to do it, we will do the event — however, musical balance
and other issues override a decision.
On
the other hand, you MUST check with the appropriate leadership if you
wish to participate in an event for which you did not raise your hand
(ask and we’ll explain why). Your ability to participate is subject
keeping your dues current (your first quarter is free) and meeting
rehearsal requirements for the events in question.
marching band
The
Marching Band is great fun, and the most visible aspect of the Band. We
perform in front of television cameras and millions of people each year
in such high-profile parades as Chinese New Year and San Francisco
LGBTQ Pride. We have also made out-of-town trips to cities such Reno,
Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, San Diego and Fresno for their celebrations.
Marching is a great way to show your Pride.
REHEARSALS
In order to participate, you must attend at least two marching
rehearsals and pep/marching music rehearsals (usually 1/2 of a regular
rehearsal). We also occasionally have a "marching fundamentals"
rehearsal, so if you've never marched or feel rusty, don't despair —
attending one of those will get you up to speed. Marching rehearsals
are only held a few times per year and depend on weather conditions, so
do be patient. While Marching Events take place throughout the year,
most of them are in the February — July period.
MUSIC
Marching music includes three pieces we are known for — "California,"If
My Friends Could See Me Now" and "San Francisco." These are
collectively known as "The Big 3." We also usually include a
traditional march and one or two extra "pop" tunes for marching season.
There is no need to memorize these, but we will rehearse them during
both a "sit-down" music rehearsal and while marching.
uniforms
Our uniforms consist of black tuxedos (also used as our concert wear),
a hat and rainbow plume, a red citation braid and an overlay. Overlays
are handed out the day of the event, and are collected immediately
after the event. You need to provide black shoes comfortable for
marching, black socks and a black T-shirt or undershirt for underneath
the tuxedo. More uniform information can be found on the Uniform Page
of the Band Handbook, or contact the Uniform Coordinator at a rehearsal.
dues
It takes a lot of money to keep a band like this together. We must pay
for uniforms, rehearsal and storage space, instruments, music,
telephones, publicity for events, and so many other needs! We get
contributions, public funds, earn fees and prizes, and collect dues
from our members. Dues are $50 per calendar quarter; people who only
participate in marching events pay $50 for one year. Your first quarter
is complimentary — no fee. If money is a problem for you, please share
that information with the Band Bursar: waivers, discounts, and
scholarships are always available.
communication
With an organization as large, busy, and diverse as the Band, we have
to put a lot of energy into making sure people understand what we’re up
to! Here are some key channels for communication:
Announcements:
Each rehearsal, our main announcement time is just before break. A
second opportunity for announcements will be held at the conclusion of
rehearsal. Please hold down any talking while this takes place. If you
wish to make an announcement, just raise your hand. Announcements
should be items relevant to the Band (we do take a pretty broad view of
what that means) and kept fairly short (under one minute).
Band Notes:
You’ll see our newsletter, Band Notes, for handout near the door each
rehearsal. It’s a great source of information about the Band and what’s
happening now; plus it will give you a near-term schedule of events and
names and numbers for key people. Pick up a copy every week!
Band Fone
(415-255-1355): an information line for and about the band, will always
have announcements about any event. Check it before any performance, as
last minute changes or information will be announced here.
Band Email List:
The list is run by the Director of Member Communications. At the first
rehearsal, the Secretary will collect your email information for
inclusion into the Band List.
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