Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Atlanta Freedom Bands provides a positive representation of our city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBTQ+) and ally community through music. AFB is a community-based, service-oriented organization that provides an opportunity for creative musical expression and outstanding entertainment in a welcoming, inclusive environment. We believe in the power of visibility to foster LGBTQ+ acceptance and strive to be a source of pride for the entire community.
AFB accomplishes its mission through a number of performing ensembles: the Atlanta Freedom Concert Band, the Atlanta Freedom Marching Band and Color Guard, and the MetroGnomes Stage Band. Each ensemble attracts musicians and performers from across the Atlanta metropolitan area, bringing together people from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, ages, and identities. Although based in the LGBTQ+ community, AFB ensembles seek to connect with audiences of all types in a variety of venues from the Concert Hall to parades to neighborhood events and more. With every performance, AFB tries to build bridges of acceptance and understanding.
AFB is proud to be a member of Pride Bands Alliance, the Association of Concert Bands, and the Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance (AQuAA).
Our Vision: Fostering an inclusive community through artistic expression.
History in the making
What we stand for
When our founder, Walter L. “Buz” Carr III, attended the 1993 Atlanta Pride Parade, he noticed there was no marching band. When interviewed in an article in the Southern Voice (June 9, 1994), he said, “Last year there were more than 100,000 [people at the parade], and we had floats, and I thought, well, if nobody else is going to do this … We can’t have a parade with floats and not have a marching band.” He advertised and organized that fall and the Atlanta Freedom Marching Band made its debut in 1994.
Buz’s founding values for the band still live on today:
Volunteerism
The willingness to go the extra mile in participating with AFB
Commitment
Regular attendance and developing individual musicianship
Respect
Valuing the individuality of our bandmates
Fun
Having a good attitude, promoting social connections, and having a good time making music
These values come together in our “AFB Family”, the welcome we extend to all who want to participate, regardless of orientation or identity. Additionally, many of our members who are returning to their instruments after a long break find a nurturing environment where they can rekindle their love of performing music.
Atlanta Freedom bands stands for LGBTQ+ visibility, musical creativity, respect of each other’s experiences and commitment to excellence.
Ready to join us?