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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 6, 2003)
üme6.2QQ3'j M t M * j p 2 9 Renewing the music R Gay band introduces new color guard and (nearly) new conductor at Pride by C o u r t n e y P e r k in s || involved in conducting the band and 3 how the personality dynamics of the || band worked,” he says. “The thing that I like most about being part of the band is that (it] is a confluence of two of the biggest parts of my life: being gay and loving music. I think the ability to come together with people you have two things in common with is really a marvelous thing.” T he decade-old Rose C ity G ay Freedom Band is a nonprofit organi zation consisting o f a m arch ing, concert and swing band. It is open to all queers and supportive friends, and proceeds from performances go toward the management Conductor Rice Majors leads the Ro.se City Gay of the band or are donat Freedom Band in the Pride parade June 15 ed to other designated Majors says. “The piano was my best and loudest queer organizations. toy, and music has remained a primary way for me Majors’ short time as conductor to connect with my emotions in a way that is has not been short-lived, and his both cathartic and aesthetically beautiful.” influence on the band is apparent. In addition to jump-starting the idea for Originally from Oregon, Majors returned a color guard, he has pushed the in 2001 to Portland, where he began playing band to make themselves heard. tuba with the gay band. He finally tried his hand at conducting in the spring of 2002. “ H e’s really been ambitious in exposing us to Portland and getting v “I wanted to join the band as a member until I could see what kind of time commitment was our name out there,” says saxophon- “v— ist Mark G an o. “A s a group we want to be both musically active in the community and active in bringing events to people.” Majors’ commitment and pride are clear in his Web site statement: “Being involved in an organization like Rose City offers us a unique chance to reach out to our community. We are able to provide opportunities for musical as well as personal growth, both for people who play in the band as well as for the mem bers of the audience. The positive effect we can have on the community is immense.” But for right now, the band is looking toward the more immediate future. “My favorite time is probably during Pride when we’re playing and people are dancing in the streets,” smiles Gano. “Seeing the joy that we bring— it’s really rewarding.” J H To learn more about the ROSE CITY G ay FREEDOM B and call 503'790'2170 or visit wwiu.rcgfb.org. PHOTO BY ainbows will be blazing at Portland Pride 2003 as the Rose City Gay Freedom Band kicks off the parade under the direction of a new color guard and conductor. “It’s one of the first times in history, as far as 1 know,” says color guard leader Robert Gorman o f their participation in the parade. “We’re only using tall flags, so we’ll be pretty noticeable from anywhere.” For those o f you who are lost, the color guard is that group of people with flags or batons who accompany a marching band. According to Gorman, the color guard, which has 10 members for its debut performance June 15, is focusing on creating a festive mood and getting the party started. “Fun is the biggest key ingredient for us,” he says. “We want to keep it going, even after Pride, so hopefully we’ll inspire some people along the way." The man in charge got involved with the band after spotting a blurb about it in an April edition tif Just Out. “Having been involved in color guard— teaching it at a high school com petitive level— it was right up my alley,” says Gor man. “I’m excited to experience Portland’s Pride." And the color guard is only one new dimension of the band to take to the streets this year. The Pride parade also will be led by a new conductor. A Cornell University graduate with a degree in music, Rice Majors is a true connois seur of the art. In addition to having conduct ed a wide range of bands, choruses and orches tras during the past 12 years, he’s always been an avid performer, having played with such groups as the Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Gay &. Lesbian Chorus and Pink Swingers of London. “Music was always my best friend growing up,” WENTWORTH SUBARU 2003 SUBARU WRX OFF MSRP MSRP $25,788 SUBARU The Beauty ofAIIMhedDrivi ‘ on approved credit • photo tot iuslraton purposes only W h a t a re w a y s w e c a n come together? Stock #35296 Now is the time to express your views! Look for the survey in this issue of Just Out, till it out and mail it in. O r till it out online at: WENTWORTH W W W . www.wentworthsubaru.com o u tw ith it2 0 0 3 .com We want to hear from you! A |*f«>irrt «I ihr U ¡B T T J1 '.mintunnr I >»» 1 « Euml nvenîion Center • 503-232-2000
