About D.C.’s Different Drummers

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Mission: D.C.’s Different Drummers is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender music organization welcoming ALL musicians as it fosters pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater Washington, D.C. region through music.

D.C.’s Different Drummers started in 1980 with 7 musicians who got together in an apartment in Washington, DC, to play through some books of college fight songs. The first song played by the band was “On Wisconsin!”. Today our membership is well over 125 people with ensembles that cover classical, jazz, contemporary, marching music, and winter guard. We play all over the DC metro region, and we draw membership from the LGBT community and their supporters in the National Capital Region while striving to create music and fellowship.

We currently host the Symphonic Band (CPSB), the Marching Band, Jazz Band and multiple small ensembles. All of our ensembles hold numerous performances of every size and genre throughout the calendar year. Most of our ensembles are non-audition and some of our members have not picked up an instrument in decades, so everyone is encouraged to join! After all, if you’re out of the closet shouldn’t your instrument be as well?

D.C. Different Drummers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit music organization incorporated in the District of Columbia, and a participant in the Jon Sims Endowment Fund. We are founding members of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, proud members of TeamDC, and Pride Partners of the Capital Pride Alliance.

For general inquiries on D.C.’s Different Drummers, please contact us here.  For individuals interested in joining one or more of our ensembles, please contact membership.

DCDD Leadership

Executive Officers

Board of Directors

DCDD Staff

Ensemble Directors

Administrative Staff

DCDD Committees

Development Committee: Sean Casey & Dorian Hawkins

Logistics & Production Committee: Rick Woleslagle

Membership Committee: Abby Berman & Tim Schmeling

Publicity Committee: Charlotte Volpe

Technology Committee: Bryan Biesecker

Inclusivity Committee: Ben Cox

Our Supporting Partners

Interested in becoming a DCDD Business Partner?
Contact our Development Team today!