Mid America Freedom Band Named Semi-Finalist For American Prize

Kansas City, MO, 24 March 2021 — The national arts organization the American Prize has named the Mid America Freedom Band a semi-finalist for The American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance—community division, 2021.  

“We are thrilled and honored to be included among our peers for The American Prize. Being acknowledged by an outside jury is a testament to the meaningful art that can be created and performed at high levels by dedicated amateur musicians right here in Kansas City. I’m elated for my fellow members, staff, board, volunteers, and supporters to be recognized for their commitment and musicianship,” says artistic director Lee Hartman.

This nomination is the first time a member of the Pride Bands Alliance (formerly Lesbian and Gay Band Association) has been so honored. MAFB was selected based on their live concert recordings of works and arrangements by Margaret Brouwer, George Butterworth, Johan de Meij, Shelley Hanson, Lee Hartman, Stephen Ryan Jackson, and Leyla Saz showcasing the organization’s commitment to programming and championing of underrepresented composers. Six other ensembles from across the United States were also named semi-finalists in the same division. 

Board Chair Christian Montes says, “The Board and I are so proud that Mid America Freedom Band has been selected as one of the National Semi-finalists for the American Prize! As a group of volunteer musicians, we have continued to grow with every piece of music and performance. I’m so happy that our members are getting recognition for their amazing talent that they’ve shared and developed with each other!”

The American Prize is a series of non-profit national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States at the professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels. For more information, visit: https://www.theamericanprize.org/

The Mid America Freedom Band is a community ensemble of LGBTQ+ and allied adult volunteer instrumental musicians with about 80 playing members. MAFB provides a safe space for performance opportunities, outreach, and social advocacy through instrumental music for music enthusiasts within the LGBTQ+ and ally spectrum of the Kansas City area to create an inclusive community that fosters diversity. For more information, visit: www.freedomband.com