Company Profile

Company Overview

Named the “Official Band of San Francisco”, the San Francisco Pride Band (SF Pride Band or Band) is the first openly gay musical organization in the world, inspiring the formation of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/intersex/questioning/queer bands, choruses, and performing groups around the globe. Founded in 1978 by Jon Sims at the height of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade, the Band has made music to build understanding between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ communities for more than 45 years. SF Pride Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California.

The San Francisco Pride Band has three components to its music program:
1) Concert Band, which rehearses Tuesday nights 7:30-10pm year round. The Band typically performs four major concerts each year consisting of 2 Community Concerts in September and March, a Spotlight fundraiser in May/June, and Dance-Along Nutcracker (4 shows in one weekend) in December.
2) Marching Band, which rehearses at least one weekend a month. The band marches in three to four large parades and several smaller parades each year.
3) Pep Band, which rehearses monthly on the third Thursday. The band plays 15-25 times per year at various community/civic functions such as the Trans March, AIDS Walk, and Pride events all around California.

These three programs run all year long concurrently. Many of the musicians play in all 3 groups. The Artistic Director, Concert Band shall coordinate and collaborate with the leadership of the other two groups on musical development, calendaring events, and fulfillment of the Band’s mission.