We’re attempting to gauge if there would be any interest in forming a band to march in the Pride parade. We know that *plenty* of us participated in band in high school and college … a few of us may even still have our chops! And we think it’s about time that the Mountain State has it’s own “community” band.
Naturally, we do realize that there probably isn’t enough time to get this organized by June — we’re really shooting for the 2010 parade — but if we hear from enough people over the course of the next month or so, who knows? We could probably make a decent go of it with as few as 10 to 12 horns and a just a couple of drummers. If you can twirl a baton or spin a flag, we need you, too!
Membership will be open to all ages, genders, orientations, and levels of talent. Additional details will be forthcoming as soon as we see what kind of response we’re getting.
If you’d be interested in participating, or if you know someone else who might, please email Daniel at LavenderVanguard@rocketmail.com
Brent Lanham
2 years ago
I can spin a flag . If you nedd help just let me know.
dan
2 years ago
three points
1. I can’t emphasize enough that this will be a purely amateur venture. No great level of talent will necessarily be required or expected. Our only two goals will be to have fun and to support PrideWV.
2. the name “Lavender Vanguard” is totally provisional. If we can think of something better, we’ll go with it.
3. There will likely be some small membership fee. We’ll need to buy matching polo shirts (or something) and sheet music. Those easy little arrangements of pop tunes that you played in college during TV time-outs at basketball games cost $50 – $60 each.
Cam
2 years ago
i am currently a high school marching band member. im now yeah i guess im still pretty young, im finishing up my junior year right now. anyway i have played drums for well along time and marched for 3, also i have some friends at marshall university that might be interested jus depending on dates and us preparing with our school bands for the following fall season
dan
2 years ago
Hey, Cam — thanks for your interest. Like I said, everyone’s welcome.
Most likely, our only performance would be at the Pride parade & festival on the first or second Sunday in June. And I doubt we’d have more than three rehearsals (at most). I’ll keep everyone posted Thanks again.
Bree
2 years ago
Hey,
I’m currently finishing up my Junior Year.
I’d love to come play.
I can play cymbals or piccolo.
I can also do baton.
I prefer cymbals though.
I’d really like to be involved.
Keep me posted?
Phil Stiers
2 years ago
Daniel….I saw your ad in the 2009 WV Pride brochure. It is exciting to know someone is attempting to organize a gay inclusive band in WV. I wish to volunteer my experiences and interest in any way I can, although because of my work schedule, my time is limited. I do not know what your needs are, but I am open to assisting. Just let me know how.
I have a long history of involvement with HS and university marching bands as well as drum and bugle corps. I was part of the original founding staff of Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps in Bloomington, IN the late 80’s. I did a bit of everything with SOI, but my primary role was that of assistant tour manager for 3 years. I can remember one of Star’s first contests was in Charleston.
In the early 90’s I was a co-founder of Bluegrass Brass Senior Drum and Bugle Corps based in Lexington and Louisville. BGB was founded by aged-out Star members, and along with former performers and staff of the Cavilers, Phantom Regiment, the Cadets, Madison Scouts, and Minnesota Brass. I served on the board of BGB and as a performer though-out its 5 year existence. Unfortunately there is no drum corps activity in either KY or WV at this time to my knowledge for me to become involved again with, so news of Lavender Vanguard is exciting news to me