ORLANDO, Fla. — The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom band's membership has grown like a musical crescendo, all under the steady hand of one director. But, as he steps away, there’s hope that just hearing about the band may bring others to the fold.

What You Need To Know

  •  For last six years, Chris Green has led LGBTQ+ band

  •  Central Florida Sounds of Freedom is all-inclusive and accepting of all musicians

  •  Under Green's leadership over six years, band grew by about four times its size

  • In appreciation, band gifted Green a commissioned painting at final performance

“[Hearing of the band] might affect them in a way to come out, be themselves or want to play music,” Chris Martin said. “It just changed my life completely, moved into other areas of my life and made me a more positive person.”

Just prior to the pandemic, Martin joined the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom, an LGBTQ+ band, which is all-inclusive, welcoming everyone from seasoned musicians to novice players or flag twirlers.

Martin said that he dusted off his clarinet and happily joined the group, which practices weekly at a church along Curry Ford Road in Orlando.

“I joined to show my children I can do something besides work and show them something I do that I love,” said the hairstylist, who owns his own salon in Maitland.

And in the six years under director Chris Green, the group grew by about four times its size. Now, Martin said, there are between 75 and 90 active members in the band, though the number fluctuates with marching band, concert band and color guard.

But, Green’s musical promotion meant that he would be passing off the baton. And to honor the work he’s done with the ensemble, Martin said that the group had a collective idea: commission a painting that would capture the sense of acceptance the band embodies—and the passion Green brings to the stage.

So, at the group’s final performance of the season, “Hope Eternal” at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, Martin presented the director with the framed artwork, as someone aptly sang “Over the Rainbow.” It’s a nod to the nature of the band, as well as where Green is headed next: Kansas.

The moment was “overwhelming” for the longtime director, composer and high school band teacher, who said that music changed his life. He grew up a shy kid, he explained, from an abusive background.

“Music has been my entire life and it always will be. It is what saved me as a young person,” Green said. “I’m excited for this chapter to close and move on. But it’s also kind of sad because it’s been such a huge part of my life for the past six years.”

Starting with rehearsals on Jan. 4, 2024, the band’s associate director will take over as interim director.

Central Florida Sounds of Freedom has two shows left this spring at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. The group is also always looking for new members, no audition required.