Description
Mid America Freedom Band was formed in April 2002 under the leadership of Alan Day with only a handful of local musicians. The band played small performances for Christmas, PRIDE, and other locations throughout the year.
On November 13, 2003 Mid America Freedom Band under the leadership of Zachary Parker gave its first themed concert "Journeys" with only 13 local members. MAFB was aided by St. Louis Band Together members to fill out the sections and missing parts.
The 2003 ‐ 2004 season continued with the spring concert "That's Entertainment" and performances at AIDS Walk and PRIDE. The 2004 - 2005 season saw a growth of the band that led to relocation from Broadway Church to Trinity United Methodist Church. The season's first concert "Americana" was performed on November 20 th , 2004. This season saw the first landmark change of the organization. The interim Board of Directors was formed to draft the by ‐ laws and incorporate MAFB as a non ‐ profit entity ceasing to be a special project of Kansas City's Lesbian Gay Community Center. The first elected Board of Directors took office in 2005. The band that once numbered barely a half ‐ dozen musicians grew to over 40 members including the new rest section. The spring concert of 2005, "My Favorite Things" was the first of many concerts performed by MAFB at Paseo High School. 2005 also saw an increase in outreach performances including AIDS Walk, PRIDE, MGRA Rodeo, and assorted fund raisers.
The 2005 ‐ 2006 season saw the production of "Heroes & Villains" and "Around the World in 80 Minutes". The close of the 2006 season saw the loss of Zachary Parker due to job relocation. The 2006 ‐ 2007 season introduced a new conductor Presten Fry followed by a new assistant conductor Skip Schrock. Later that November was the first ever introduction of the position Executive Director now held by Kristopher Stice. Zachary Parker had originally held both Lead Conductor and Executive Director. Fall 2006 helmed the first ticketed concert "Broadway: Then & Now". MAFB added a third concert to its schedule for Christmas. The spring concert "Odds & Evens" generated our largest ticket sales to date. MAFB continued its outreach performances at Out in Westport, AIDS Walk, PRIDE, MGRA Rodeo, and many others.
The 2007 season ended with "Symphony of Freedom", an outdoor concert celebrating our 5 th anniversary. This season saw creation of committees, new ensembles, new staff and a new focus.
