Join the Gainesville Ruckus!

Join us for a low commitment monthly community marching/street band rehearsal. We are more interested in quantity of players than quality. Just come over with your instrument and be willing to learn new music. We will pick sheet music from various genres for an opportunity to dust off your horns and reeds and strings etc. and re-live the oft abandoned experience of reading and interpreting sheet music in a large symphonic group (which we've all secretly missed since high school, am I right or am I right?)

There are a few guidelines:

• BYO instrument, all instruments welcome but brass, woodwinds, and marching drums especially encouraged.
• You do need a very basic proficiency with your instrument to participate (be able to play and find notes on your instrument)
• This event is organized by adults, and alcohol (as well as NA options) will be served at the bar, but youth are also welcome to join if they are accompanied by an adult guardian.
• Sheet music can be found here if you'd like to check it out or print it in advance. We will provide some extra copies and some music stands at rehearsal. Video below for some inspiration. Our current repertoire includes Bella Ciao, 9 to 5, Bad Romance, and Bubamara.

History:

About 20 years ago, a community marching/street band was formed by a group of wind-instrument-playing dreamers in Gainesville. We wore thrifted green outfits and called ourselves the Gainesville Radical Ruckus (GRR!) and we rehearsed at Roper Park and in each other's living rooms. The Ruckus came and went over the years with revivals when it felt needed, appearing at events and street protests to bring music and playfulness to our community. A few of us have decided to bring the Ruckus back, and Heartwood has offered to host practices free of charge as long as folks buy a drink from Heartwood's bar during practice to help pay for the cost of opening the space!

Indoor stage

Bar opens at 6, Rehearsal starts at 6:30 and runs until 8 p.m.

Chairs provided

Some music stands provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own

Everyone is welcome!