The GFBLA Concert Band is an inclusive wind ensemble that welcomes musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. Led by Artistic Director Joseph Vranas, the GFBLA Concert Band prides itself on engaging, diverse performances that teach our audience while challenging our members to seek musical excellence. With two concert seasons per year, the GFBLA Concert Band holds 6+ performances in venues across Los Angeles.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone who’s rediscovering their passion for playing, we invite you to join us Tuesday nights at the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) for rehearsals! No auditions necessary, the GFBLA Concert Band welcomes all skill levels and is a space to build your craft as a musician in a supportive community!
Interested in joining the GFBLA Concert Band?
Artistic Director
Joseph Vranas, Artistic Director
Artistic Director since 2021
Joseph Vranas (he/him) is a conductor, composer, and music educator living and working in Los Angeles. He serves at the Artistic Director of the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles (GFBLA), conductor of ensembles at the Saturday Conservatory of Music, and conducts youth orchestras, bands, and teaches high brass with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) in partnership with the LA Phil. He has previously conducted the Regional Youth Orchestra and Regional Youth Symphonic Winds with Harmony Project, the Pacific Artists Collective, the Old Main Brass Choir, and has been a featured conductor at the Oregon Composers Symposium and Pride Bands Alliance Annual Conference. He has been recognized by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and the City of Bell, California for excellence in music education.
As a composer, Joseph has written for concert halls, ballet, film, and theatre with premieres across the US and internationally. His music has received commendations from the 48 Hour Film Competition, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, the Bolivian Music Festival, and the Cannes Film Festival.
Joseph is a graduate from the University of Oregon with Master’s degrees in Composition and Trumpet Performance and previously studied Composition and Music Education at Sam Houston State University. Visit his website: josephvranas.com
Previous Artistic Directors
- Justin Raines (2012-2022)
- Bill Masonheimer (1986-198x; 2002-2012)
- Jim Berg (1997-2001)
- Cindy Nunes (1996)
- Gaylene Martinez (1995)
- Scott Brahm (1984-199x)
- James Becker (19xx-1983)
- Paul Stewart (19xx-19xx)
- Michael Ash (19xx-19xx)
- Lesene Van Antwerp (1978-19xx)
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are GFBLA Concert Band rehearsals held?
When: Tuesday, 7:30-9:30pm. Try to arrive 15-20 minutes early to set up and warm up.
Where: HOLA Arts and Recreation Center, Los Angeles
What should I expect at rehearsals?
Rehearsals begin with general announcements followed by warm ups, listening exercises, and tuning. We take a 10-minute break midway through the rehearsal.
What do I need to bring to rehearsals?
Bring your instrument, a folder, pencil and eraser, and any other materials to have a productive rehearsal (e.g., tuner, instrument stand, reeds, mutes). Starting in 2025, music can be accessed via our Membership Portal and you are expected to print your own music.
What is the Concert Band’s annual schedule like?
We typically have 3-4 concerts per annual season:
- Spring Concert: March/April
- Summer Concert: June/July
- Fall Concert: November
- Holiday Concert: December
What is performance attire for the Concert Band?
Standard Concert Band performance attire is “concert black”–black shirt/top, black dress, black pants/bottoms, black footwear. Suit jackets are optional. For some concerts, we may encourage alternative attire to better match the concert theme.
Are there member dues for the Concert Band?
Yes; dues for Concert Band are $120 per calendar year. Your first month is complimentary to allow you to try out the band. Membership dues help the band pay for our rehearsal and storage space, instruments, music, venue costs, publicity for events, and various other costs involved with running a non-profit musical organization. If finances are a barrier, we offer scholarships. For more information visit our Dues FAQ Page.