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Our Mission

DC's Different Drummers is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally music and performing arts organization welcoming musicians and performers of ALL skill levels as it fosters pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater Washington, D.C. region through music and artistic performance.

President's Message

Hey Pals!

I love this time of year because it makes me stop and reflect on all the great things DCDD has accomplished. From our fabulous jazz and symphonic concerts and marching band performances across all eight DC wards, to our electric participation in color guard competitions across the DMV region, DCDD’s membership are unstoppable. 

Many thanks to all of you for your support to make that, and more, happen this and every year. Have a safe and warm holiday, however you celebrate, and we look forward to performing for you again in the new year.

-Tim Schmeling, DCDD President

Fundraiser

Make a donation with a card on our website or through Venmo, and then see an usher to claim your drawing tickets! Donations are always welcome even if you do not wish to participate in the drawing.

Book the Band

Do you have a special occasion coming up? Live music may be just the thing you need to jazz up your event!

If you didn't know, now you know... DC's Different Drummers is available for hire! Our most frequently booked ensemble is our small jazz combo, 2nd Independence, with flexible instrumentation and experience playing a wide variety of events and musical styles. Our marching band, jazz big band, and small ensembles are also open to booking requests!

Our musicians have performed as featured entertainment or atmospheric background music at events including weddings, community events, private parties, conferences, markets, festivals, museums, receptions, award ceremonies, and more!

To submit an inquiry please fill out the form at the link below!

Book a DCDD ensemble!

Concert Program

DCDD Small Ensembles
Percussion
Underneath the Tree	Kelly Clarkson arr. Chris Pott
Mad Hatters (Tuba & Euphonium)
Medley from Nightmare Before Christmas	Danny Elfman arr. Christopher Bill
Flutes
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch	Albert Hauge arr. Lisa L Ochoco
Horns
Believe (from 'The Polar Express')	Glen Ballard, Alan Silverstri arr. Roger Wallace, Patrick O'Donnel
Saxophones
Carol of the Bells	David Foster arr. Tyler Coughran, Sean Casey
A word from DCDD's President
DCDD Jazz Band
Directed by Travis Gettinger Assistant Director Joseph Nicol
Hanukkah Medley	Travis Gettinger
Frances Withrow, Clarinet
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer	Johnny Marks arr. Chris Sharp
Sara Huey, Trumpet Ken Kensky, Vibraphone Sasha LaPonsa, Trombone
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen	Gordon Goodwin
Marty Noyd, Trombone Brandon Boxbaum, Piano Michael Gardiner, Tenor Saxophone
Santa Claus is Coming to Town	J Fred Coots Lyrics by Haven Gillespie arr. Dave Wolpe
Grace Hjerpe, Trumpet Yoshi Nishio, Guitar
Al Hanisim	arr. Travis Gettinger
Mitchell Shuey, Guitar Brenda Padillla, Trumpet
All I Want for Christmas Is You	Walter Afanasieff Mariah Carey arr. John Berry
Intermisson/Set Change **last call to purchase tickets for Sleigh Ride conducting drawing**
DCDD Symphonic Band
Directed by Anthony Conto Oakley
A Christmas Festival	Leroy Anderson
In Heavenly Peace	Franz Gruber arr. William Owens
Fantasy on the Huron Carol	arr. Robert Buckley
Let the Candles Glow	Richard E Brown
Christmas Vacation	Barry Mann arr. Paul Murtha
Sleigh Ride	Leroy Anderson

Artistic Staff

Acknowledgements

To our volunteers, musicians, executive board, artistic and administrative staff, our donors, community partners, and to all who attended this performance - thank you for making this all possible!

Thank you to the leadership and staff of the Church of the Epiphany for supporting us in the use of this performance space.

Our deepest appreciation to First Congregational United Church of Christ for opening their doors to DCDD as our new rehearsal space this year, as well as for support with storage and other logistics.

For their longtime partnership as a home to DCDD, we acknowledge and thank the Lutheran Church of the Reformation.

In Memoriam

Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, passed away on December 8th of this year, three weeks before his 71st birthday. Goodwin arranged the version of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' played today by our jazz band, and will surely hold a place in history as one of the most highly acclaimed jazz musicians of his generation. DCDD's jazz band would like to dedicate tonight's performance of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to Gordon Goodwin.

Thank You

for your continued support of our mission and the DCDD community!

To learn more about DC's Different Drummers, visit our website at www.dcdd.org or follow us on social media.