About Us
Our Mission
The Philadelphia Freedom Band (PFB) is a non-profit organization comprised of a wide variety of talented musicians, ranging from amateur to professional. We come together to perform throughout the greater Philadelphia area and provide visible, active support to the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome anyone who is committed to our shared goal of musical excellence and our commitment to social justice. Members participate through our ensembles, including concert band, marching band, and jazz ensemble.
Concert Band
Our concert band holds two concerts annually, one in spring and the other in winter. We present a vast range of music, from classical pieces to pop tunes, centered on an interesting theme.
Click here to join.
Marching Band
Our marching band performs in parades throughout the greater Philadelphia region all year long. We have parades throughout the spring and summer, cheer sections for local races in the fall, and even caroling around the holidays! You can find us at events across the greater Philadelphia region, from Allentown, to Asbury Park, to downtown Philly.
We're always welcoming new musicians, color guard members, or volunteers to serve as band aides. Join us!
Jazz Band
Our jazz band, newly resumed in 2023, held its first standalone concert in November 2023!
Jazz band practices 2nd and 4th Monday nights after concert band. Join us!
Check out some of our past concert themes and posters!
History
The PFB, originally founded in 1988 by Paul Woodyard and others, was a lively community band based in the LGBTQ+ community. The band performed concerts, marched in pride events and the (AIDS) Walk for Life, and sent members to the '92 & '96 Presidential inaugural parades. After going dormant in 1997, the band was revived in 2008 by Chris Johanson with help from Bob Barry, Lynda Chen, and Susan Haider, and has continued to be a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ and ally musicians to create community.
Our marching band was the first openly LGBTQ+ organization to march in Philadelphia's Independence Day Parade, and our members have had the honor of performing in both of President Barack Obama's inaugural parades. We are proud to participate in the Disability Pride March, Philly’s first OurFest Parade, Glenside's 4th of July Parade, New Hope Pride Parade, and a range of pride parades and other events across the greater Philadelphia area. In 2023, our marching band participated in 13 events around the city and region, with more to come.
For 15 years, we have hosted two seasons of concert band, each culminating in a concert with 250+ attendees. We are forever grateful to Arch Street United Methodist Church who hosted a decade of our practices as we grew into the mature ensemble we are today. Since 2022 our concert ensemble, under the continued artistic direction of Hayley Varhol, has found a welcoming home at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, where we host weekly practices 8 months of the year.
Then...
...and now!
NoteWorthy Moments
Our band has made history in many ways. Click the picture and learn more.