South Florida Pride Bands

09/11/2026

MEET OUR SECTION LEADER: BLAKE VELDE 🎶

Clarinet Section | South Florida Pride Band

This week, we’re excited to introduce you to Blake Velde, our Clarinet Section Leader and a proud member of the South Florida Pride Band for 10 years! 🏳️‍🌈🎶

Blake’s musical journey began all the way back in 1968, when he picked up the clarinet in 5th grade after first falling in love with the instrument at a National Symphony young people’s concert. By 1969, he was studying with MSGT Richard Bassett of the U.S. Army Band, and he continued performing throughout high school and at the College of William & Mary.

And what a journey it has been! Blake has performed at the Kennedy Center, marched with DC’s Different Drummers, participated in both of President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parades, performed in NFL halftime shows, and played in countless events throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Today, you’ll find him playing E♭, B♭, alto and bass clarinet with us! 🎵This season, Blake says he’s most excited to make music under Sara’s leadership and “see what new horizons she takes us.”

We’re incredibly lucky to have Blake’s musicianship, experience, encouragement, and heart helping lead our clarinet section.

Help us show Blake some love in the comments! 👏🎶🏳️‍🌈

09/09/2026

🌊✨ Get ready to ride the waves and follow where the music takes you! ✨🌊

The South Florida Pride Bands proudly presents Waves & Wanderers — an evening of music inspired by the beauty, power, adventure, and wonder of our world. 🌊⛵🌎

Join us as we journey through sweeping musical landscapes, from crashing waves to far-off destinations, all brought to life by the South Florida Pride Concert Band. 🎶

📅 Saturday, November 7
📍 The Parker Playhouse
🎵 Waves & Wanderers

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come wander with us! 💙🌈

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

We’re proud to be featured in Our Fund Foundation’s “Faces of Impact” video series! As part of their Pillars initiative, Our Fund continues to be one of the South Florida Pride Bands' most dedicated supporters, helping us share our story and amplify our work. Check out the video below to see our story in action, and join us in thanking Our Fund Foundation for their unwavering support!

08/09/2026

Rehearsals kick off this week for Concert Band. Join us! https://info.southfloridapridebands.org/onlineapplication

08/04/2026

🎶 The countdown is on—Jazz Band starts in just 2 weeks!

If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your sign. Come make music, make friends, and be part of something special with the South Florida Pride Jazz Band.

🗓️ First Rehearsal: Tuesday, August 18
🎷 All are welcome. We can’t wait to play with you! For more information email [email protected]

08/01/2026

🎶 Our next season begins soon! 🎶

Have you ever wanted to perform with an incredible community of musicians while celebrating inclusion, pride, and the joy of making music?

The South Florida Pride Concert Band is kicking off rehearsals on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:00–9:00 PM, and we’d love to have you join us!

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or dusting off your instrument after a few years, there’s a place for you in our band. Come make music, make friends, and be part of something special. 💙🎺🎷🥁🎼

📍 First Rehearsal: Wednesday, August 12
🕖 Time: 7:00–9:00 PM

Visit southfloridapridebands.org or scan the QR code in the flyer to learn more.

07/23/2026

Our Brass Quintet and Clarinet Quartet will be performing between 12:15pm-1:15pm during this event at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 25th. Park in the Lime Garage as the stage will be set up on level 2, where the Swarovski store is located.

05/07/2026

Donation Match Opportunity

In February, South Florida Pride Bands launched our "40 for 40" campaign and have successfully raised $25,000 to date. A wonderfully generous, anonymous donor has offered to match up to $7500 in new donations in an effort to help us reach our goal in the coming weeks. If you would like to join the campaign, please visit https://info.southfloridapridebands.org/40for40

04/27/2026

Thank you South Florida Live for featuring our Artistic Director and Managing Director to promote our 40th Anniversary Concert on May 2, 2026. Tickets are still available.

South Florida Pride Band celebrates 40 years!