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Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Celebrates 15 Years of LGBTQIA+ Community with ‘Resilience’
Photos: Christopher Diaz
Within the walls of First United Church of Christ in Orlando, the team that has made “Resilience” beat its tune for years honors the LGBTQIA+ community with perseverance through music. The sounds of tuning instruments and early rehearsal notes filled the room on Thursday, May 21, as members of the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard prepared for their upcoming performance, which will celebrate the organization’s 15th anniversary.
Among the members are students, doctors, and working-class professionals who volunteer their time after full workdays to perform music together in the evenings. Through their shared passion, their differences dissolve into a collective rhythm of expression.
The ensemble’s anniversary concert, “Resilience,” will honor the strength, unity, and perseverance of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies with a powerful, emotionally resonant musical program. While preparing for the June 7 performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Pugh Theater, the organization opened its rehearsal doors to Pulp City for a closer look at how its music fosters visibility, inclusion, and community strength among its members and allies.
A Safe Haven for Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ Musicians and Allies
Founded in 2011 by Juan Casani, the performing arts group was created as a safe and affirming space where LGBTQIA+ performers and allies could find connection through music. Fifteen years later, the CFSOF Band and Color Guard remains open to all skill levels and a variety of roles, from musicians and twirlers to volunteers, welcoming anyone who wants to contribute their talents and/or time.
“We have band members that have joined us that have never played an instrument before or picked up a rifle or a flag,” said Chris Martin, the organization’s president. “It’s about our community: being a family and being here for each other,” he added.
Artistic Director Dr. Lindsey Williams said he has never left a rehearsal not feeling more fulfilled than when he came in. He said there is something special about coming together to create art that involves more than yourself. “I come exhausted a lot, but so do so many of these people that are working full-time jobs,” Williams said. “This just happens to be free magic.”
Honoring LGBTQ History: From Stonewall to ‘Still I Rise’
Williams, alongside Associate Director Marques Rudd, collaborates each season to shape the concert theme and curate the musical programs. This year’s production draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise.”
Among the featured works is “Stonewall,” a piece honoring the courage and legacy of the Stonewall Riots, including their lasting impact on LGBTQIA+ rights. CFSOF was part of a coalition of LGBTQIA+ nonprofits that helped commission the 2019 piece by composer Randall Standridge.
“Stonewall is the catalyst of the whole gay movement,” said Lee Sellers, the ensemble’s founding artistic director. The 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City transformed the national conversation around gay and transgender activism. One year later, activists marched through the city in what became the first Pride march, establishing a tradition that would grow into a global movement for visibility and rights.
“They walked so that we could run,” Rudd said.
“Resilience” 15th Anniversary Celebration takes place Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m., at the Pugh Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $25 to $35 and may be purchased from centralfloridasoundsoffreedom.com/tickets.
Mike Synan
News | Sports | Politics
- After two decades in news and politics, Mike Synan is returning to his roots to write Sports as “The Sportsaholic”. Mike hosted a talk show for 6 years on WDBO after Magic home games called “Magic Til Midnight”, and spent years working as an in-game correspondent for both ESPN and Fox Sports Radio. His column “Synan Says” has appeared on both www.wdbo.com and www.floridadaily.com. He has a BS in Political Science from Clemson University. You can reach him at msynan@sportsmail.com
