Gem City Bands

Erie's community band—where music, heart, and hometown pride come together.

Created by volunteers. Powered by passion. Shared with all.
 
Gem City Jazz Ensemble gig at Erie Art Museum
Instruments in Demand:
 

While all experienced musicians are welcome to inquire, we are especially looking for players in the following sections:
 

  • Flute

  • Oboe

  • Bassoon

  • Tuba

  • Percussion

  • Jazz Piano (Jazz Ensemble)
     

If you play one of these instruments and are looking for a fun, welcoming group to make music with, we’d love to hear from you! Join us and help strengthen the sound of Gem City Bands.

Join the Concert Band

If you’re an experienced musician looking to make great music with a fun, welcoming group, the Gem City Concert Band may be the perfect fit! We’re currently accepting new members and would love to hear from you.
 

Rehearsals

  • When: Tuesday evenings, 8:00 – 9:30 PM

  • Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church (First Floor Meeting Room)

    • 2216 Peach Street, Erie, PA

    • Free off-street parking available

  • Entry: Use the entrance marked Pre-School. Head down the stairs and follow the hallway to the end on the left.

    • Please arrive between 7:45 and 7:55 PM—the door is locked once rehearsal begins

 

How to Join

Interested? You’re welcome to:

 

We’re a friendly bunch that loves to play, laugh, and make music together!

Note: Only the Gem City Concert Band is currently accepting new members.
FAQs

 

Do I need to audition?

No formal audition is required. We do recommend that members have the ability to read and perform music at an advanced high school or college proficiency level. Final decisions on seating, instrumentation, and solos are made by the conductor to ensure a strong musical balance.

 

What do I need to bring?

  • Your own instrument

  • A music stand (music is provided)

  • A pencil and eraser

  • A spit rag or towel to protect the floor if your instrument requires it

  • A bottle of water to stay hydrated during rehearsal

  • And most importantly, a great attitude!

 

What’s the time commitment?

  • Weekly Tuesday night rehearsals (1.5 hours)

  • Concerts and community performances scheduled throughout the year, with the summer and holiday seasons typically the busiest.

  • Members are expected to take their music home and actively practice challenging sections between rehearsals. This individual preparation is essential to our collective success and ensures that rehearsal time can be used most effectively.

 

What if I can’t make a rehearsal or concert?

Life happens — we get it! If you need to miss a rehearsal, please let the conductor know in advance.

 

If you’re unable to attend a performance, we ask that you provide as much notice as possible. This allows us to make any necessary adjustments and ensures that all parts and solos are fully covered, helping us maintain a high-quality performance and support your fellow musicians.

 

If you’ll be absent, please also make sure your music folder is available so another player can access the needed parts if necessary.

 

In the case of extended absences, the conductor may need to reassign your part or seat to ensure the group can continue to rehearse and perform effectively.

 

Is there a cost to join?

Nope! There are no membership fees or dues.

 

What’s the concert attire?

  • Gem City Bands polo shirt ($20, available from the band)

  • Khaki pants

  • Black dress shoes

  • Optional branded T-shirts and baseball caps are also available for purchase

 

Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you!

Complete our contact form or email gemcitybands@gemcitybands.org, and someone from the band will get back to you shortly.

JOIN