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Meet the Leadership of GFBLA Marching

Drum Major Leonard Dootson (He/Him) is a Southern California native and a proud member of GFBLA since 1990. With a B.S. in Nursing, he currently works as a Registered Nurse Clinical Educator.

Leonard’s musical journey began in elementary school with the clarinet, followed by the French horn in high school. After a decade-long hiatus from music, he rejoined GFBLA as a trumpet player.

A passionate fan of the marching arts, Leonard is honored to serve as the Drum Major and is excited about this year’s marching season, fueled by the energy surrounding the band’s growth. He believes the marching band plays a vital role in promoting visibility, equality, and social justice.

Outside of music, Leonard enjoys camping, sailing, and restoring classic VWs, along with playing trumpet, piano, and recorder.

Drum Captain Omar Saldivar (he/him) has been with GFBLA for a few weeks and is excited to perform in parades and Pride events. Speaking of our great community, Omar mentioned, “All of the other members are very welcoming and friendly, there is a sense of community among them.”

🌸🌼Come check us out at the Spring Fling!🌼🌸

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Spring Fling

Consider this your official prom-posal to our Spring Fling! Enjoy our marching band and color guard’s premier performance outside the Heart of Los Angeles in Lafayette Park.

Details below!

Free Entry

Time: March 16th, 12pm-1pm

Location: 615 La Fayette Park Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90057

What to bring: lawn chair, picnic blanket, snacks

Parking: free street parking, metered parking

Spring Fling

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Member Spotlight: Shelby Heaster

It’s Member Spotlight time with Shelby!

Get to know her a bit below! 💕🥳

“I’m Shelby (she/hers) and I’ve been playing the flute since the 5th grade (minus a break during the pandemic)! I grew up in Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming. I moved to California after graduating in 2022, then to Los Angeles for work in June 2023.

I joined GFBLA in September 2023 because I was looking for a community band to call home! This is such a welcoming, friendly group and we have a lot of fun—I love that we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we can still put forward a professional performance.

Having grown up where I did, it’s nice to finally be part of a community that’s so open and proud about their identities and love of music—it makes me proud about mine!”

🩷💜💙

Are you looking for a fun, inclusive community of folks who love music as much as you do!? Visit us here to learn more and sign up!

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LA Wildfires Response & Resources

Dear GFBLA Community: 

The GFBLA Board of Directors and Staff hopes this message finds you safe and well amid the ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires occurring across Los Angeles County.  We are heartbroken at the devastation these fires have caused across the county.  We encourage you to prioritize your safety as well as the safety of your loved ones over the coming days as Los Angeles County continues to manage the wildfires.  

Many of us know someone who has been affected by this ongoing crisis. From being suddenly evacuated, to losing everything, many people are suffering with incomprehensible loss.  Despite the loss, you are not alone and GFBLA is here to support you.  Our strength as an organization lies in our community.  

If you have been directly affected by the fires, please reach out to your loved ones, friends, and local community services.  We have compiled a list of resources to help your recovery.  If there is anything that GFBLA can do, please reach out and let us know how we can best assist you.

Please continue to prioritize your safety and continue to follow the guidance of local authorities.  Take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this difficult time, stay safe, and know that our hearts are with you.

With music, pride, and visibility,

GFBLA Board of Directors

board@gfbla.org


RESOURCES

Wildfires Information & Updates

Emergency Notifications

Aid, Assistance, and Services

  • MusiCares: MusiCares provides crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance for people across all music professions.
  • Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) Fire & Wind Storm Resource Library: The MALAN team is maintaining a comprehensive list of various resources available to those affected by the fires and will continue updating it with new resources or calls for volunteers and donations.
  • Airbnb: Airbnb, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or evacuated due to the wildfires. Submit your information in this form to receive notifications on availability. Spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay. Eligibility criteria apply.
  • Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem 2 free Uber rides up to $40/each for transportation to/from active shelters. 
  • Metro: Fare collection for rides on Metro has been suspended systemwide through Jan 12.
  • Planet Fitness: Free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. Valid until Jan 15 at locations in LA County not impacted by the fires.
  • FEMA Assistance – Individuals and Households Program: Affected individuals may be eligible to receive money for essential items, housing needs, rental assistance, and more.
  • Report a Power Outage: Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP or visit the LADWP website.
  • Report Downed Power Lines, Street Poles, and Trees: Use the MyLA311 app (Download for OS; Download for Android), dial 311, or visit the MyLA311 website.

Information & Educational Resources

GFBLA’s First Rehearsal of 2025!

Join us in the new year to kick off GFBLA’s first Concert Band rehearsal for 2025.

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Fallin’ For Jazz Wrap Up

Jazz Band says, “Step aside, Pharrell, okayyyy”💁🏽💁🏾‍♀️💁🏼‍♂️

Of course we jest, but for real, how fun was our show at The Mayflower Club (@themayflowerclub) last Thursday!? The room was vibrant and the audience raved about the energy, the songs, and the solos!

Thanks so much if you came out and better yet, if you donated to the band while you were there! We❤️ya!

If you can’t get enough jazz, the band will perform at our holiday concert, Winter Wonderband!

Now we’re not promising anything, but you will hear a Christmas fave (hint:🥜 )

Click here for tix. See ya then!

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The Ol’ Song and Dance Wrap Up

Almost a month ago we were able to return to the legendary The Huntington Library for our latest Concert Band performance “The Ol’ Song and Dance”. Such a special evening of music showcasing songs that make you wanna dance and dances that make you wanna sing. Thanks so much to Candace Hansen (@candohando), our amazing emcee, for bringing history and fun to the night as well!

Thank you to to our photographyer Stevo Rood (@aroodphoto) for these awesome shots!

And congrats to our Brass Quintet who had their debut performance that night as well. Stay tuned for more Chamber Ensemble performances in the coming year!

Next performance is Winter Wonderband on 12/8 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.

Tickets available here – see ya then!

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Sponsor a Piece!

⏰ Hurry, sponsorships close November 24th! ⏰

Pick a piece 🎶 (from the jazz or concert band) to sponsor and see your message projected before our audience while we perform on December 8!

🎄Visit our donation page here🎄

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Winter Concert

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come get some holiday cheer at our Winter Wonderband performance December 8th! 🎄🎅❄️🎷🎺

And if you can’t make it give a shout out to a friend by sponsoring a piece in the program! ❤️

More info at GFBLA.org/events – see ya there!