Credentialing information
We will be rehearsing in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, January 18, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (including a break for lunch). Rehearsal is open to participants, volunteers, and press who pre-register with LGBA; no other spectators will be admitted. Any media outlet who might like to attend rehearsals should email the
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by January 10. Credential passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a number of press groups in attendance; no coverage will be allowed to disrupt our rehearsal.
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Lesbian and Gay Band Association finds itself in the inaugural spotlight
One of the objectives of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association is to promote “LGBA Music, Visibility, and Pride.” It seems that they have “visibility” covered as they head off to the 2009 Inaugural Parade on January 20. According to LGBA Vice President Robb Blackwell, “We have received an unprecedented amount of attention regarding our invitation to perform, and we take very seriously our responsibility to represent America and the LGBT community with the best possible performance."
LGBA has a long history of visible performances. This 26-year-old band association has traveled the globe performing at national and international events. Whether in a local band or another corner of the world, LGBA musicians serve to bring people together through the universal language of music. “When performing as a mass band, the music always comes first, the fact that we are gay is secondary” says Blackwell. “Every time we put on a great musical performance, we just might change someone’s mind about gay people, or breakdown the stereotype they have held onto.”
The historical significance of their Inaugural performance is not lost on the Lesbian and Gay Band Association. Regarding the inclusion of an openly gay contingent, LGBA Board Member Laura Whitbeck says “President elect Obama clearly values diversity and challenges us to do the same. We are honored to be invited to perform, and will put on the marching performance of our lives.”
Lesbian and Gay Band Association marches into history
It is with great pride that the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) will march down Pennsylvania Ave. on January 20. As the first openly gay contingent in the Inaugural Parade, LGBA will take its place in history. LGBA President, Lisa D’Amore has said “We are well aware of the magnitude of this performance, and are preparing for the marching performance of our lives.”
LGBA has member bands throughout the US, Canada, and Australia. Bands from 21 U.S. cities will be represented among the 177-member marching unit for the Inaugural parade. The participants are all LGBA members, having marched with pride in local pride and community parades everywhere. LGBA has a long track record of supporting its community locally and world-wide. Local bands do a lot to support their communities, often raising money and awareness for important issues like AIDS research through benefit concerts. The LGBA band led the march for the Millennium March on Washington in 2000 and played for the symbolic same sex wedding in front of the Lincoln Memorial that same weekend.
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association strives to promote “LGBT Music, Visibility, and Pride.” The 26 year old association of bands will clearly have a “proud” moment in Washington DC on January 20th. According to LGBA Board Member Judy Ames, “We are very proud to be a part of history, while making a little history of our own.”
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Lesbian and Gay Band Association: Music is the key
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) will have the performance opportunity of a lifetime as they march in the 2009 Inaugural Parade for Barack Obama. They have been offered the invitation after a months long application effort. According to Artistic Director, Rice Majors, “We are extremely proud that the level of musicianship that LGBA will bring to the parade has been recognized. This is especially noteworthy due to the unprecedented number of over 700 band applications.”
The 177 participants for the parade come from LGBA bands across the country. 21 US cities will be represented, and the average musician has played their instrument for 20 years or more. The LGBA musicians come from all walks of life, but music is their passion. They have continued to perform, far beyond their high school band days. Now, as members of LGBA, they perform in concert, swing, and marching bands surrounded by their friends…their LGBA family.
LGBA has performed in some amazing venues in their 26 year history, including the Hollywood Bowl, DAR Constitution Hall in Washington DC, Madison Square Garden, and the Sydney Opera House. A 2006 appearance at the Gay Games in Chicago included performances at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and the world-renowned Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. The band has also been led by some notable guest conductors including Frank Ticheli and the late Alfred Reed.
The LGBA Band will be performing “Washington Post” by John Phillip Sousa at the reviewing stand in Washington. When asked about this musical choice, Rice Majors said, “We wanted to choose something that fit the stature of this event, and we feel that something by Sousa is very appropriate.”
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