Concert Bands

The Minnesota Freedom Band is expanding to offer two separate concert bands for the 2026-27 season. Both bands will be conducted by Bethany Doffing and will explore a rich variety of musical styles and genres.

The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble are open to anyone age 18 years or older who plays a concert band instrument (woodwind, brass, and percussion). Auditions are not required. Both bands play a variety of genres, including classical, folk, pop, and traditional music.

Meet the Conductor

Bethany Doffing

Bethany has been the Artistic Director of the Minnesota Freedom Band since 2017. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. degree in K-12 Instrumental and Classroom Education, with a specialty in trumpet and conducting. She has taught all grade levels of band, as well general music, jazz band, marching band, pep band, orchestra, and choir. She currently teaches 4th through 8th grade band and orchestra around the metro. Bethany is also a composer, having written pieces for wind band and SATB choral. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and dogs, being outdoors, tending to her 70+ house plants, and binge watching television while eating far too many snacks. Bethany is incredibly grateful to be a member of such an amazing organization and community, and invites you to join her!!

Key Information & Guidelines

• No auditions are required for either concert band.
• Musicians may join only one concert band. The Director may approve exceptions for intrumentation balance or for members playing two different instruments.

 

To help you choose the right fit, an Open House Week will be held at the start of the season. Prospective members are invited to attend rehearsals of both bands before making their selection.

Band assignments are for the semester. Switching between bands is permitted in September (for the fall semester) and January (for the spring semester), but not at other times.

 

Season and Performances

Our season runs from September through June. In a typical season, there are three concerts: one in late fall, one in early spring, and one in June. Members are also invited to march in the annual Twin Cities Pride Parade. Occasionally we are asked to take part in other events.

 

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place from 6:45-8:45pm at South High School, 3131 19th Ave S, Minneapolis.

Symphonic Band: Monday evenings
Wind Ensemble: Wednesday evenings 

 

Become a Member

All band members must complete a Member Application and Pay Dues ($120/season). Please click on the buttons for complete information and payment plans.

 

NOTE: New members may join the band in September or January.