Rainbow City Marching Band
 Rainbow City Band's first performances in 1998 were as a marching band, and it's in our parade performances that so many Seattle-area people first experience the band.
As regular invited guests to the parades that anchor the Seattle Pride, Fremont Solstice, and Kirkland Fourth of July celebrations, we bring music to tens of thousands of people. Each year, we also select other parades and festivals in which to participate. We have played not only in various Seattle neighborhood parades such as the West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade and the Greenwood Parade, but in Redmond, Renton, the OutKitsap festival in Bremerton, and OutSpokane in Eastern Washington.
Marching FAQ
 Would you like to join us for marching season? Here are answers to many common questions about the band and its summer marching season:
What is Rainbow City Band?
Rainbow City Band is a non-audition community band consisting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight members from all around the Puget Sound area. We develop musicianship and camaraderie among our members while representing the LGBTQA community in local events and in outreach performances outside the local area.
How much experience do I need?
For musicians, you'll do best with at least basic playing experience in a band or orchestra. We choose about 10 to 12 pieces of music each summer to play at parades and other performances, and you'll need to read music to learn these pieces. On the other hand, there is plenty of other help available if you haven't read music in awhile, and we have plenty of rehearsals to help you get prepared.
For the color guard, basic color guard experience is helpful but not necessary—we can teach you what you need to know, and will adjust the routines to match the varying skill levels of our participants.
In either case, you don't need any marching experience—we'll teach you everything you need to know!
Do you provide instruments/flags? I don't own one.
The band owns some instruments, including quite a few percussion instruments. Many of our members rent instruments either because they don't own an instrument or have an "indoors-only" instrument that they prefer not to play in parades. Some members have extra instruments that others borrow. If you'd like to play but don't have an instrument, we'll work something out to make sure you have an opportunity to join us!
The band will provide equipment for the color guard—you don't need to have your own.
What if I haven't played my instrument/performed in the color guard for a long time?
We have members that have gone as long as 30 years without playing... and then saw the Rainbow City Band, thought, "you know, I really miss playing," and picked up their instrument again. The band is a great place to get started again!
Do I need to be very skilled?
Rainbow City Band has members with a wide variety of skills - people who haven't played an instrument for long; others who have switched to a new instrument; and even a few bona fide music teachers with degrees in music performance or conducting. Everyone is welcome!
Do I have to be lesbian, gay, or transgendered to become a member?
Rainbow City Band welcomes members of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of our most dedicated members are straight!
How often do you practice?
We rehearse weekly beginning in April—first indoors for music rehearsal, then outdoors beginning in late April or May for marching practice and more music. We have one weekend retreat (in 2009, held the weekend of May 15-17) where we do some intensive practice to prepare for our first parades (and have a ton of fun.) Once parades start in mid-June, we only have rehearsals if needed, such as when there's a break of two or more weeks between parades.
Where do you rehearse?
For music rehearsals (April), we rehearse at the Wedgwood Community Church at the corner of 30th Ave NE and NE 82nd Street. Once we move outdoors, we rehearse at Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. Members carpool, take the bus, or even walk to rehearsals depending on where they live. If you're looking for people to carpool with, let us know!
Where do you perform?
During marching season, the band typically performs at five parades in the Puget Sound area, plus one or two additional performances either locally or outside the area. We are fixtures at the Fremont Solstice Parade, the Seattle Pride March, and the Kirkland Fourth of July Parade. We have also marched in parades such as the Redmond Derby Days, Renton River Days, Greenwood, West Seattle Hi-Yu, and Seafair Torchlight parades. Other events we've played at include OutKitsap and OutSpokane and a halftime performance at a Seattle Storm basketball game.
What does this cost me?
Typically, members pay dues ($15 per month), and purchase black shoes and pants and a white shirt—if they don't already own these items—for the uniform. The band supplies the rest of the uniform, including vests and hats. There is a cost for the retreat, which includes food and lodging for the weekend.
Recognizing that some of our members may be on a limited income or have other financial hardships, we offer scholarships to offset some of these expenses. We don't want financial limitations to prevent your participation in the band! To find out more about scholarships, just contact us.
How do I get started?
It's easy! Just contact us at info@rainbowcityband.com or (866) 841-9139 x2126, or just come to one of our rehearsals. If you need information about buying, renting, or borrowing instruments—or sharing rides to rehearsals—just let us know. We can help!
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