The members of GFBLA believe the following guiding principles represent the diverse culture and values of the organization. Whenever members of the organization, artistic leadership team, or the board of directors take action or make decisions on behalf of GFBLA, such actions and decisions must be aligned with our mission, vision, and core values.
Our Mission
The Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles promotes acceptance and celebrates diversity by bringing together musicians from across Southern California for performance and educational opportunities that embrace equality, inclusion, and the love of music.
Our Vision
Every person has the opportunity to contribute and express themselves musically while shaping the future of GFBLA by preserving our heritage, embracing positive social change, and sharing our talents, artistic excellence, and love of music with others.
Our Core Values
GFBLA actively promotes a core set of values that represent the diverse culture of the organization and are aligned with our mission and vision (click on the values to read more):
Member-Centered Philosophy
GFBLA was founded as a member-centered organization and continues to maintain this tradition.
Commitment to Diversity
GFBLA is committed to diversity within the organization’s membership, leadership, audience, and supporters with respect to age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, size, physical ability, economic status, and geographic location.
Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures
We treat all people with dignity and respect by being aware of and supporting personal perspectives, values, beliefs, and preferences.
Acceptance and Inclusion
GFBLA requires each of its members to continuously ensure their interactions are respectful, protect freedom of speech, and inspire artistic freedom and expression.
Integrity Beyond Reproach
GFBLA conducts its business in accordance with the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. We are transparent, honest, and ethical in all our interactions with members, audience, supporters, and the public.
Performance
GFBLA is committed to providing members with challenging and innovative performance opportunities to entertain, celebrate, inspire, and educate its members and audience.
Creativity and Innovation
GFBLA is committed to providing opportunities for its members to challenge each other to continually learn and improve musically. We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity, and transformation of challenges into new opportunities.
Accountability
At the core of accountability is reliability and personal responsibility. GFBLA values the ability of our Board of Directors, Artistic Director, leadership team, Section Leaders, and members to honor our commitments. Members affiliated with GFBLA take responsibility for our work and make what is wrong right and to the greatest extent possible. Members, leadership team, and artistic staff are committed to being present at rehearsals and performances for the benefit of the ensemble.
Service and Stewardship
Members are encouraged to volunteer their time, talent, and resources to support the cause of GFBLA and its community.
Pride
GFBLA celebrates our accomplishments and abilities when they are worthy of the praise. Pride is virtuous and is a rational evaluation of oneself.
Friendship
GFBLA celebrates friendship through the love of music and through the joint betterment of its members while promoting fraternity and musical growth.
Fun
GFBLA promotes a fun atmosphere during rehearsals to enhance the creativity of its members.