On January 14, 2010 almost 20 people turned out for the organizational meeting of Charlotte’s proposed new LGTB concert band. Many others have expressed interest.
The consensus of the group was to initially set rehearsals for Thursday nights from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Rehearsals will likely be at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church (1510 E. 7th St., Charlotte). A confirmation of this will be sent out to interested parties prior to the first rehearsal on Thursday, Feb. 11.
Prospective band members are asked to audition prior to being accepted for band membership. First round auditions will be on Thursday, Jan. 21 and Thursday, Feb. 4 between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm. (fifteen minute intervals) at St. Martin’s. Please contact Don Niehus to schedule a time (704-649-8853 or d_niehus@yahoo.com). Auditions can also be scheduled later if you need time to work on your “chops.” Prospective band members should prepare a short piece (e.g., an etude from a practice book). In addition, you will be asked to sight read a short passage from Level IV music. Lastly, you will be asked to play a couple of scales. You can download scales at http://ncbandmasters.org/HonorsScales1208/NCBAHonorsScales.html Please download 11/12 Grade Honors Scales for your respective instrument. Scale requirements for audition are up to four sharps and four flats as well as chromatic scale. Scales should be detache (tongued) or slured. You may have printed scales in front of you! (You can likely also find similar scales for download at other websites if you Google.)
If you have a suggestion for a name for the band, please email it to Don. “The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Band” doesn’t excite anybody particularly. We could be fairly straightforward (e.g., Charlotte Pride Band) or go for something cute or clever – but, of course, tasteful!
Initially, we will be a concert band. We could give our own concerts or possibly collaborate with the Charlotte LGBT choruses (One Voice, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte) or other LGBT bands (such as in Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta, and Washington DC). The group may decide to march (i.e., simple street marching, not “half time shows”). For example, although Charlotte currently doesn’t have a Pride parade, Durham and Atlanta do (assuming the group is interested in participating in nearby Pride celebrations). At some point, the group may also opt to participate in other Charlotte parades. We may also consider establishing a twirling and flag corps as part of the marching unit.
We don’t have a conductor yet, but we’re working on that and hope to have an announcement soon. Suggestions welcome. Several members have conducting experience and will fill in on an interim basis.
There are about 30 bands affiliated with a national organization called the Lesbian and Gay Bands Association (LGBA). Our intent is to quickly join this group. We have already been in contact with our nearest neighboring bands in Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta, and Washington all of which have promised to help us. LGBA sponsors national meetings to share ideas and network. LGBA also sponsors massed bands (members from bands from across the country) at special events such as the March on Washington, President Obama’s Inaugural Parade, and the Gay Games (this year in Cologne, Germany).