This page is intended as a helpful summary of information for new members of the band. You can also download and print out our handy PDF version of the same information.

About the Rainbow Band

The Rainbow Concert Band was formed in 1990 as a result of the Gay Games in Vancouver. The band was founded by Gays and Lesbians as an expression of our pride, our aspirations and our community, existing for the inclusion of all people and dedicated to all.

Our mission statement includes: building bridges of understanding within the Gay and Lesbian community and the community at large, providing a supportive environment wherein the members of the society can participate in the activities of the society free from discrimination as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Band has grown in many ways in the past 18 years, and continues to thrive. The source of our success is our Band members. It is your hard work and dedication that allows us to perform numerous and varied concerts and events each season.

The Board

The Rainbow Concert Band is a registered Non-Profit Society run by a Board of Directors. The board meets once a month to plan events and fundraising and to take care of all the business of running the Band. Please feel free to talk to anyone on the Board about your ideas or concerns. We are also always looking for new members, so if you are interested in contributing a little extra time, join the Board!

The Board consists of a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as an Internal and External. The Artistic Director usually attends Board Meetings as well as any interested non-Board band members.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are in the Oakridge Seniors' Centre in the Oakridge Mall.
650 West 41st Avenue (41st Ave & Cambie St)
Map: http://www.oakridgeseniors.com/map.png

The centre is west side of the Oakridge Mall near Oakridge Auditorium.
You can take a bus #41, 43 or 15.  Also, you can take the Canada line!

Visitors are always welcome!

Communication

Our main method of communication outside of rehearsals is the Rainbow Band Yahoo group. Once you join the group you will receive regular email updates and reminders. Ask a board member for more information.

Dues

The Band collects dues to cover our costs rent for rehearsal space, honoraria for the Artistic Director, event fees, purchase of new music, etc. Dues are $15/month for 12 months or $180/year if paid all at once. New members who join part way through the year will have their dues pro-rated. New members are given three rehearsals to try out the band and to decide whether they wish to join. If you have any financial concerns please feel free to talk to the Treasurer about a subsidy or a payment schedule.

Concerts

The Rainbow Concert Band has a busy schedule of events (both large and small) each season. To keep it simple for our members, our season schedule is planned in September. Our concerts can take a great deal of effort to organize. Book these events into your calendar now! If you are going to be unable to participate, please tell the Artistic Director as soon as possible.