I am excited for Sunday, February 22, when the South Florida Pride Youth Band will take the stage at the Parker on at 2 pm. This is the 15th year for the youth band, featuring more than eighty high school musicians from across the tri-county. These high school students will perform alongside members of the South Florida Pride Concert Band.
New this year is the Youth Pride Jazz Band. Music and bands are always important for kids, but especially now, at a time when there are fewer and fewer safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, ten or more $1,500 college scholarships will be awarded to members of the Pride Youth Band.
One exceptional student will receive a $7,500 scholarship and will be featured as a soloist with the South Florida Pride Concert Band in May 2026. I talked with Dan Bassett, the artistic director, about what this means for the band members. Tickets are still available at parkerplayhouse.com.
