Are you a musician who wants to join a vibrant and diverse community of LGBTQIA+ people and allies? Do you love to play music and perform in front of enthusiastic audiences? If so, you might be interested in joining one of the ensembles at Rainbow City Performing Arts (RCPA)! We have expanded our facilities and support to welcome even more members to join in creating community performances with us.
RCPA is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to express themselves through music. We have four ensembles starting their new seasons soon that cater to different musical interests and skill levels: Rainbow City Orchestra, Rainbow City Concert Band, Rainbow City Drumline, and Rainbow City Color Guard. Whether you play a string, wind, or percussion instrument, or you want to spin flags, rifles, or sabers, we have a place for you!
To join us, all you need to do is fill out a contact form and indicate which ensemble you would like to join. You can also learn more about each ensemble on our website. We will get back to you as soon as possible and connect you with the ensemble director. You can also attend one of our open rehearsals and see for yourself what we are all about.
Here are some details about each ensemble and their upcoming season:
Rainbow City Orchestra
This ensemble is for string, wind, and percussion players who want to play classical and contemporary music in a symphonic setting. The orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons in the University District at 3pm. The first rehearsal of the season is on September 10, and you are welcome to join us for the first few open rehearsals. There is no audition required for string players, but wind players will need to audition for a chair. The orchestra will perform at Benaroya Hall on November 17, featuring a variety of works from different composers and eras including the seminal classic, Rhapsody in Blue. The orchestra will continue rehearsing through the year and into next Summer with additional performances planned at Benaroya Hall and other locations.
Rainbow City Concert Band
This ensemble is for wind and percussion players who want to play a wide range of music styles, from marches and show tunes to jazz and pop. The band rehearses on Monday nights starting on September 11 in the University District. The band welcomes players of all skill levels and abilities, and there is no audition required to join. The band will also perform at Benaroya Hall on November 17, premiering a commissioned work in honor of our 25th anniversary. Considering themselves a “band family,” they want to welcome anyone looking for a place to belong and express themselves. The concert band will make it’s debut at Benaroya Hall this year with a three-concert series lasting through next April.
Rainbow City Drumline
This ensemble is for percussion players who want to learn and perform drumline routines with high energy and precision. The drumline rehearses on Saturday starting on September 16, with open skill-building workshops continuing into Fall. The drumline welcomes members of all skill levels, even if you have never played a drum before but always wanted to try. The drumline supports dozens of coommunity performances from spring through fall as part of the marching band and Reign City Riot, such as parades, festivals, and pride events. Members have flexibility and support to attend rehearsals and events as time allows. Through our skills workshops, any musician can have the opportunity to become great drummer in this tight knit ensemble.
Rainbow City Color Guard
This ensemble is for anyone who wants to spin flags, rifles, or sabers in sync with music and movement. The color guard rehearses on Tuesday nights starting October 17 in Renton, starting in October. The color guard welcomes anyone who wants to spin regardless of experience level. The color guard aims to uplift LGBTQIA+ people through expressive movement and performance. The color guard performs with the marching band and drumline at various community performances throughout the year.
Opportunities Continue
We hope you are excited to join us and become part of our musical family. We can't wait to meet you and make some beautiful music together! Contact us today to let us know if you are interested in joining these or any of our other ensembles. We will contact you with more information about how to join.
Rainbow City Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that provides education and performance opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in the Seattle area. RCPA offers seven different ensembles and numerous chamber groups that perform at community events and pride festivals throughout the year. RCPA's mission is to create a safe and welcoming space for musicians and spinners of all skill levels and backgrounds, and to promote diversity and inclusion through music in the community at large.
