I have been passively and actively associated with RCPA for nearly 11 years. My partner is a musician; I was a volunteer and supporter. We currently do not share the same views.
RCPA used to be an all-inclusive band supportive of gays and allies aka everyone was welcomed equally. In the past five years, this non-profit has become revenue generating with paid staff and it shows. The band has become greedy. It charges its members, the groups they are playing for and now digs into grants using any keywords they can. The band has come to the point of being so inclusive, they are exclusive. Just being gay or an ally is not enough. I have quite literally heard a music director on a group call say, "I wish we had a disabled black lesbian." More buzzwords, more grant money. Members are required to sound off their pronouns. Positions that used to be audition only are now given to underqualified "minorities". Capable musicians are passed over by greedy section leaders for solos (Trumpets in Reign). It's a shame to see a community band become a pay to play corporation. Issues have been brought up publicly and privately with no resolve. I no longer volunteer, donate or attend their functions. Many of the previous ensemble leaders have left for similar and other reasons. I encourage my family member to leave a group that now presents as a cult.
I joined this organization knowing no one, but with deep background of music. It felt like a home right away and kept me coming back for over 15 years now. Most of that time, I've also found the opportunity that by giving back, I could learn so much about myself and how to be a leader and help make the world a little better for a lot of people. I feel blessed to have found this space, these people, and a calling that centers me in a community of diversity and respect.
RCPA has undoubtedly been one of the most positive experiences of my adult life. I loved music when I was in school, and felt a huge loss when I graduated and couldn't find groups to play with, In addition to being a great music organization, it's a place where I can be totally myself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I've met so many other queer people and allies and had so many great opportunities that I wouldn't have had without RCPA. I'm lucky enough to participate in the concert band, flute choir, and reign city riot. All of which have been amazing. My only regret is that I didn't find RCPA sooner.
Rainbow City Performing Arts has given me a place to re-engage with the music I loved so much in my youth. I had set my trumpet away in my late teens, after playing for the Air Force for many months, and it wasn’t until my mid-forties that I picked it up again. RCPA has provided me with multiple means to express myself through music. I’ve played in 4 of their ensembles throughout my time here, some additional small ensemble performances, and I’ve been given the opportunity to sing my favorite genre of music with their Big Band which is something I’d never even considered doing. They provide all members with an inclusive and safe place to express themselves and in so doing they teach all of us about things we never knew. They’ve made me a better person for it. Many of the friendships I’ve made here are life-long and the support I’ve gotten from them, and the organization as a whole, is inspiring. I’ve said this many times in the past, but RCPA has given me … Me. And that has been Life Changing.
I am a current Board Member, but before I was asked to apply for that role, I started with the Band in Fall 2021 for Marching Band when we were still meeting online. With the raising of the Covid restrictions, we are meeting in person and doing more events than ever. We even started the Orchestra back up for the 22-23 season which has had a great turnout of players! The image below is one of the groups that I play with within the Concert Band group, the flutes. There are many different groups for the diverse pallet and everyone is very welcoming and inclusive, even of those with disabilities and within all the groups! Our website has been completely redesigned and we are proud to continue growing our impact within the community and with each other.
I joined the band in the autumn of 2006 after I moved to Seattle. I recently had seperated from my partner and was feeling very depressed and shy on top of moving to a strange city. As the weeks went on I made friends. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. After 2 years I ran for the Director of Events position and joined the board. This group is extremely motivated and incredibly ambitious. Its leaders are involved and cognizant. The group is a great environment for community musicians of all ability levels and the director is the sweetest, most nurturing guy. The band has experienced significant growth in the past 2 years in many areas. During last years recession they had their most successfull fundraising aucution, performed with the Seattle Womens Chorus, and have had the capital to advertise on NPR and Seattle Times. They were also awarded a Pride Foundation grant. This group will no doubt be the leader in new community arts organizations within the next 5 years.
My children participated in the Rainbow City Band's holiday concert this past year (they played the kazoo). We all had a wonderful time. In addition to being a superb musician, the conductor is great with children. It was definitely the highlight of our holiday season.
I joined the band in it's first year. I knew the conductor and wanted to support her vision for a Gay and Lesbian band. I was a member for less than one year...(Back then...only 15 to 25 members)...We marched for the fist time ever in the Seattle Pride Parade...and were welcomed into the community with shouts and screams!!!..I have been involved with music since childhood...eventually carving out a career, so my participation with this wonderful band has been sporadic. Now over ten years have passed and the band has grown into a great artistic energetic and enlightened group. The leadership is the best. WOW! A healthy and positive place for like minded adults... Having recently joined the band...once more, I am delighted with energy that each person brings...whether it is board members who lead us into the future, or Michael, the fearless leader of the band, or the sound of a musician as they express beauty in the notes they play. I am very happy to be a member and will continue to support this group.
I joined the band after being away from music for 26 years! I was immediately drawn to the peacefulness that comes with being immersed in music making for several hours each week. I stayed because of the people and the relationships I developed. I've taken on leadership roles and am always awed by the members' dedication and selfless giving to this organization.
I have been in Rainbow city band for 12 years. I have been HIV positive since 1988 of October. This wonderful organization is a place for healing, support, and a place where i can express fully. I love this band called Rainbow City band. I don't know where I would be without it. It has given me strength, courage, and has helped me to conquer anything that may be challenging in my life. I love this band and I consider it my family.
Last summer, on a hot July evening the Rainbow City Band took to the streets in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle to pratice our marching and playing. Being that it is rare to have a very warm evening here in Seattle, everyone had their windows open in hope of a cool breeze. Instead, to their surprise they heard a marching band. What happened next was unbelievable. People began coming out of their apartments and houses to listen, clap, dance and even to follow us block after block. Bringing this spontanious erruption of pure simple fun and joy to our community on a warm summer evening is what makes the Rainbow City Band such a wonderful organization. I never expected that playing "Stars and Stipes Forever" and "Thriller" on my flute after a 34 year hiatus, during band practice on the streets of Seattle, would be so fun!
I joined RCB over seven years ago after not having played in 13 years. I was instantly hooked on the pure joy of creating music and developing long-lasting friendships at the same time. Since then I've had the pleasure of serving in leadership positions, sharing in the band's growth in size and musicianship, and watching the impact we make wherever we play. This organization has a proud past and a bright future.
Rainbow City Band in Seattle does a great performance, offers a great expereince and provides musical outreach to communities. You will enjoy the show... that is a guarantee.
Rainbow City Band is about community and diversity. While it's an LGBTQ and Allies organization, the band reaches audiences on a broad spectrum by giving back in small and large ways. From collecting canned goods for the hungry during the holiday season to volunteering their musical talents at events like the AIDS and Breast Cancer walks, Rainbow City Band never hesitates to help others in need. My involvement in the band started when I carried water for the marching season. I stepped it up the following year by pushing a member of the drum line in a wheelchair so that she could continue to participate and do what she loves. After that, I was hooked, and I'm a full on member of the band!
While I enormously enjoyed the performances of the marching band this past summer, the two concert band performances so far this season were spectacularly entertaining and well played. Keep up the excellent work all!
I joined RCB in 2005 because I wanted to meet new people. I had my instrument shipped out from the midwest where it was hidden in storage for 5+ years. Since then, thanks to RCB, I've grown as a musician and as a person. I've met so many wonderful people through participation in RCB. Our organization is a place for people to come together around an activity that is positive and life-giving. Because of that, RCB has helped strengthen my relationship with my family and others who otherwise struggled to accept my sexual orientation. By witnessing the positive and life-giving community of RCB, they were able to discard the misunderstandings and negative imagery they had of the LGBT communities.
I joined Rainbow City Band about 6 years ago after attending one of their concerts. I had not played my instrument in over 20 years. I was warmly welcomed when I joined and over the years have developed long lasting relationships with people who are now like family to me. Some Tuesday evenings when I am tired after a long day of work I tell myself I am too tired to go to rehearsal but I go anyway knowing by the end I will be uplifted and energized by the music, the friendships and camaraderie of my band mates! It's a wonderful thing to experience relationships through music and a common goal.
After college I put my trombone away and became a teacher. I had to make a living. Twenty years later wandering around the booths after the Seattle Pride Parade, I was yelled at by an older lady. "Hey, do you play an instrument? Join OUR band!" I will never forget how afraid I was the first time I pick up my trombone after 20 years. I had my postition sheet to cheat from and the music looked like a foreign language. That was 4 years ago and I am now playing the 1812 Overture! What can I say about Rainbow City Band? It is the BEST 2.5 hour WOW of my week! I leave the stress of my daily life and walk into my FAMILY of musicians:straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, single, married, able-bodied, physically-challenged, young, wise, beginners, and experts and everything in between and with gentle, humorous, and expert leadership we create the most beautiful sounds imaginable. We have AHHH moments that we are fortunate to take to the stage.
The Rainbow City Band is a passionate, dedicated group of individuals committed to musical excellence and serving the LGBTQ community. The bring visibility of LGBTQ people to parades around the region, as well as concerts. The sense of community and belonging that is felt within the organization is second to none. This is a strong arts focused non-profit that will continue to grow, evolve, and serve more and more folks for years to come, no doubt!
Rainbow City Band is a dynamic and welcoming community organization. Since I joined in 2001, I've seen our numbers grow from about 50 to almost 80 in our concert band. Our musicality and professionalism has also grown exponentially and I'm continually impressed at the level of music we're able to accomplish as we prepare for each new concert. We are in the midst of a growth spurt which has come with its share of bumps, but I'm happy to say that our membership and board gracefully welcomes each new set of "nice to have" problems that are happy symptoms of a growing organization. I'm very proud to be a member of RCB.
RCB is unique and amazing. How refreshing to have an LGBT and Ally organization that is based on such an accessible thing as music. RCB is truly inclusive from its transgender members to their invaluable allies from 18-year-old's to senior citizens. Anyone can participate and everyone can enjoy. It is a real gem of the community and a joy to be a part of and to watch!