New Member FAQ
This page covers the most common questions we receive about joining MHFB. If your question isn’t answered here, just email us at membership@mhfb.org and we would be happy to answer it!
MHFB rehearses at Historic Grant Avenue, 216 South Grant St in Denver (near the corner of Cedar and Grant).
MHFB Strings and MHFB Swing rehearse most Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. MHFB Winds rehearses most Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. MHFB Corps rehearses intermittently throughout the season based on the performance schedule, usually on Saturday mornings from 10am-12pm. Chamber Ensembles rehearse based on the members’ schedules.
You are welcome to check out MHFB any time during the season! Typically once rehearsals for a concert start, we ask that you wait until the next performance cycle to begin to formally join the ensemble. You are welcome to sit in and observe or play in a rehearsal to check us out anytime, and we’ll even give you a pair of comp tickets to our next performance before you officially join! Some ensembles do hit capacity at times, at which point potential new members are added to a wait list.
MHFB welcomes musicians of any ability or identity that are at least 18 years old in any of our ensembles. Our ensembles and performances provide opportunities for everyone! Active membership requires dues payments or dues scholarships and regular rehearsal attendance. There are no other eligibility requirements.
Each ensemble may have some limits, depending on the overall number of players and the type of ensemble. For example, MHFB Strings will limit wind and percussion players when performing full symphony works. Occasionally our largest ensemble MHFB Winds may hit a capacity limit for safety and our venue space.
Musicians under 18 years old are encouraged to check out our MHFB Youth summer camp. It’s a totally free week-long program that happens each June.
The commitment will vary depending on the ensemble you play with and the volunteer activities you choose. Generally, there are three main areas you’ll spend your time with MHFB.
Rehearsals: there are usually 8-10 rehearsals per performance and we have guidelines for attendance.
Performances: on performance days, you’ll usually have to arrive about 90 minutes before show time and remain briefly after the performance has ended.
Volunteering: as a non-profit organization, volunteering is a crucial part for MHFB to function. We ask that each member finds some way to volunteer with the organization during the season and the time commitment varies depending on how you choose to volunteer.
No broad auditions are required for any of our main ensembles. Our players include a wide range of abilities from those with music degrees to those who are just picking up their instrument again for the first time in years. Having an average high school-level proficiency on your instrument will be appropriate for most of what we play. If something is too challenging, you’re encouraged to work with your section leader to edit the part to suit your playing ability!
We do have limited situations where auditions may be conducted, such as solo opportunities and some more limited part and seat assignments in ensembles like the symphony and jazz bands.
Parts are assigned either by the ensemble director or by an appointed section leader. Generally, members can expect to play the parts they request as long as they are available. If you want to play specific parts, always be sure the director or your section leader knows your preferences!
Yes, active membership in MHFB requires a dues payment of $15 per month (or $150 if paid annually). Partial and full dues waivers are available to everyone. The first month is free for all new members. MHFB will never let dues stop someone from being a part of our band family!
Volunteers and MHFB Youth participants do not pay dues.
As a non-profit organization, volunteering is a crucial part of MHFB being able to function. Members may be asked to donate items, sponsor music, help with events and equipment, represent MHFB in the community, serve on the Board of Directors, participate on operations teams, engage with our social media, or many other tasks. We do ask that each member finds some way to volunteer with the organization during the season that fits within the time they can give.
MHFB welcomes any person who is affirming of the vast diversity of humanity. MHFB members are part of an organization that is welcoming and accepting of all people, in whatever way they identify.
Absolutely! We are always in need of volunteers to support the band through event setup, front-of-house support, logistical support, and more! Check out the MHFB.org home page for opportunities to get involved.
In our last season (2023-24) , the Mile High Freedom Bands had an active membership of over 240 musicians and volunteers throughout all of our ensembles. MHFB Winds is our largest ensemble, averaging around 125 performers per concert.
