About Rainbow City Band

Founded in April 1998, Rainbow City Band is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington. Consisting of about 60 musicians, plus our conductor and associates who keep the band running smoothly, we divide our musical year into concert (fall through mid-spring) and marching (mid-spring through summer) seasons.

Our Mission

We are a community band of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay-friendly instrumentalists and supporters. For the enjoyment of ourselves and others, we perform music at the highest level possible, build confidence and commitment by mastering challenging music in a variety of styles, enjoy a rewarding musical and social experience by fostering professional and friendly attitudes, and promote visibility and acceptance of gays and lesbians in the community at large.

Our Conductor

Jo-Ann Christen is a versatile and dynamic conductor who specializes in leading community ensembles. In addition to the Rainbow City Band, Jo-Ann also conducts the Rain City Women's Chorus and the Seattle Civic Band. She holds degrees in music from Montclair State University (NJ) and the Manhattan School of Music. Jo-Ann performs professionally on the trombone and euphonium and teaches brass instrumentalists at her Queen Anne studio.

Lesbian and Gay Bands of America

Rainbow City Band belongs to the Lesbian and Gay Bands Association (LGBA), a group of 30 concert and marching bands from North America and Australia. LGBA provides a link among lesbian and gay bands to share information, improve the musicianship and organization of its member bands, and encourage the formation of new bands. To find out more about LGBA, visit the LGBA website.