About DC's Different Drummers

Our Mission

DC’s Different Drummers is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender music organization welcoming ALL musicians as it fosters pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater Washington, DC region through music.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Our History

DC’s Different Drummers began in 1980 with seven musicians who got together in an apartment in Washington, DC, to play through some books of college fight songs. The first song played by the band was “On Wisconsin!”

The group organized and recruited, with the marching band’s participation in the 1980 “Gay Pride Day” festival in DC marking the group’s first public performance. For historical context, this was one year before the DC Council attempted to decrimializae sodomy [sic] although the legistlation was ultimately overturned by Congress, despite home rule.

Our organization has marched on through the years. We celebrated the landmark case Obergerfell v. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015, and masked up for socially-distanced performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, DCDD’s membership consists of hundreds of people with ensembles that cover classical compositions, jazz, contemporary arrangements, marching music, and color guard. DCDD performs all over the DC metro area, drawing membership from the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters in and around our nation’s capital while striving to create music and fellowship.

DCDD currently hosts a Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Winter Guard, and multiple small ensembles. All of DCDD’s ensembles put together numerous performances of every size and genre throughout the calendar year. Most ensembles/sections are non-audition, and oftentimes new members haven’t picked up an instrument in decades, so everyone is encouraged to join!

After all, if you’re out of the closet shouldn’t your instrument be as well?

Non-Profit Status

DC’s Different Drummers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit music organization incorporated in the District of Columbia, and a participant in the Jon Sims Endowment Fund. DC’s Different Drummers are founding members of the Pride Bands Alliance (formally the Lesbian and Gay Band Association), proud members of TeamDC, and Pride Partners of the Capital Pride Alliance.

As a non-profit, we depend on donations from members, friends and family, community members, and larger organizations to support our work. Learn more or donate here.

For general inquiries on DC’s Different Drummers, please contact us here. For individuals interested in joining one or more of our ensembles, please contact membership.