Looking Back on an Unforgettable Season of Sound
Celebrating the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Guard — Season 14 (2024–2025)
As Season 14 comes to a close, we are reflecting with pride and gratitude on a year filled with music, community, and connection. With three major concerts, countless outreach performances, parade appearances, and the support of thousands of audience members, this season was one of our most exciting and impactful yet!
Here are just a few of the incredible moments we shared with you:
🎄 Concert Highlights
🎶 December 2024 – Spirit of the Season
We kicked off the season by filling the elegant Lakeside Ballroom at the DoubleTree Downtown Orlando with the joyful sounds of the holidays. Featuring a mix of classical holiday favorites and festive contemporary selections, the concert brought our community together to celebrate the season in warmth, harmony, and cheer.
🎬 March 2025 – Stage & Screen
Our annual benefit concert returned to the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, combining film, TV, and Broadway hits for a free lakeside concert with ticketed preferred seating. Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised over $3,000 for Orlando Youth Alliance through ticket sales, donations, and our first-ever “Conduct a Song” raffle.
📖 June 2025 – Sonic Stories
We returned to the Lakeside Ballroom to close out Season 14 with a heartfelt celebration of music, storytelling, and community. “Sonic Stories” invited the audience on an emotional journey through one of our most diverse programs yet. The afternoon also gave us a chance to honor the members and volunteers whose pride, spirit, and dedication continue to shape our band. It was a fitting and powerful finale to a truly inspiring season.
🌟 Community Engagement
Our mission of music, visibility, and advocacy extended beyond the concert hall:
- October: CFSOF Small Ensembles performed at the Orlando Public Library
- November: Featured at the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art
- February: Members performed the national anthem at the Central Florida Softball League season opener
- June: Our pep band brought energy and pride to the Pride Cup, part of One Magical Weekend
And in October, we proudly marched in the Come Out With Pride Orlando Parade, performing for a record-breaking crowd of over 230,000 guests—our largest audience of the year!
🏆 Recognizing Our Members
This year, we celebrated a few of our shining stars:
- Brandt Ventimiglia Pride & Spirit Award: Joseph Kennedy, clarinetist, founding member, and CFSOF’s longest-serving President
- EVA (Excellent Volunteer Award): Anthony “Tony” Mauss, long-time volunteer and unwavering supporter
- Board Member of the Year: Chris Martin, who has served in multiple leadership roles and was just elected President for Seasons 15 & 16
We also welcomed Marques Rudd as our new Associate Artistic Director—and we’re thrilled to share he’s staying on for Season 15 and beyond!
🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors
Season 14 was proudly sponsored by Pineapple Healthcare, along with dozens of song sponsors who supported key musical moments throughout the year.
Want to become a Season 15 sponsor? Visit 👉 cfsof.com/sponsors to learn how your business or organization can uplift the LGBTQIA+ community through the power of music.
📸 Catch Up or Relive the Magic
Visit our Gallery & Media page to view highlights, concert photos, and special moments from throughout the year:
👉 cfsof.com/gallery-and-media/
🎺 What’s Next?
We’re already tuning up for Season 15, which will include:
- Three major concerts (December, Spring, and June)
- A return to the Come Out With Pride Orlando Parade
- Another exciting performance at the Pride Cup during One Magical Weekend
- And a special appearance by CFSOF members performing with the Pride Bands Alliance in Fort Lauderdale this October
Full concert themes and dates will be announced later this summer—stay tuned!
💖 Thank You for an Amazing Season!
From every ticket purchased to every note played, your support has made this year unforgettable. Together, we’ve brought joy, visibility, and harmony to thousands across Central Florida. We can’t wait to see what Season 15 brings—and we’re grateful to have you with us for the journey.
With love and gratitude,
Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Guard