MID AMERICA FREEDOM BAND CORP

The Mid America Freedom Band provides for the education and musical development of its members; presents music-based programs for public benefit and charitable purposes; and promotes visibility for the diversity of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

Alan Day and Zachary Parker began discussing the formation of a band during the summer of 2001. Originally planned as a senior Drum & Bugle Corp, the founders decided to shift focus into becoming a performing musical organization focused on Kansas City's LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, and Ally) community. Mid American Freedom Band held its first rehearsal on April 18, 2002 at the Lesbian & Gay Community Center in Kansas City with four musicians. That same year MAFB also became proud full member of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association an organization complied of now over 35 similar bands across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.

On November 15, 2003 MAFB, under the leadership of Zachary Parker, gave its first concert, “Journeys” with only 13 local musicians aided by St. Louis’ Band Together. Mid America Freedom Band in 2004 became incorporated as a non-profit entity and a board of directors took office in 2005. In 2006 the band added an annual holiday concert to the fall and spring season, as well as many other outreach events. The band that once numbered barely a half dozen now has approximately 50 members which include a volunteer rest section, concert band, marching band, jazz band, small ensembles and flag corps.

MAFB has produced 30 formal concerts most of them at no charge to the general community. The group has preformed in outreach events in churches, nursing homes, parks, prides and parades in front of over 350,000 people this last year alone. The organization believes producing high quality performances that are entertaining and accessible to all walks of life, while creating a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere for its members and patrons.