Our goal is to create meaningful musical experiences and bring great performances to audiences across the region. Gem City Bands, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit community music organization made up of more than 100 dedicated amateur and semi-professional musicians. Together, we share one mission: to create meaningful musical experiences and bring great performances to
audiences across the region. A PLACE FOR PASSIONATE MUSICIANS
We’re an all-volunteer ensemble, and membership is open to experienced musicians in Erie and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re recently retired, a lifelong player looking to reconnect, or a younger musician eager for more performance opportunities, Gem City Bands offers a welcoming and rewarding musical home. We rehearse weekly and perform throughout the year at a variety of community events, concert venues, and special programs. OUR MUSIC
Our diverse programming has something for everyone. Depending on the ensemble, our repertoire includes:
• Symphonic overtures and traditional concert band works
• Jazz, big band, and swing favorites
• Broadway tunes and movie themes
• Patriotic selections and classic marches
• Folk melodies from around the world
• Steel drum music in styles such as Calypso, Soca, Pop, Latin, and even Classical
GET INVOLVED
Whether you’re here to:
• Join one of our ensembles
• Book a performance for your event
• Attend an upcoming concert
• Or simply learn more about who we are
…we invite you to explore our page and discover how you can be part of the music. GEM CITY ENSEMBLES
The Gem City Bands are proud to feature several vibrant ensembles, each with its own unique sound and style. Both the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble present spring and fall concerts at St. John’s Lutheran Church, while all groups also perform regularly at community events, senior living facilities, and other local venues throughout the year.
*CONCERT BAND*
The Concert Band is a dynamic group of 60+ musicians, performing a wide variety of repertoire that includes:
• Traditional concert band pieces
• Movie scores and show tunes
• Classical overtures
• Patriotic music and marches
The versatility and rich sound make the Concert Band a staple of the Erie music scene.
*JAZZ ENSEMBLE*
Formed in 2003, the Jazz Ensemble is a 17-member group specializing in jazz, big band, and swing music spanning multiple eras. Their diverse repertoire includes works by legendary composers such as:
• Duke Ellington
• Count Basie
• Sammy Nestico
• Buddy Rich
The Jazz Ensemble brings timeless energy and style to every performance.
*FLAGSHIP STEEL BAND*
Established in 2022, the Flagship Steel Band explores a colorful range of music using traditional steel pans and percussion. This 15-member ensemble features all four standard steel pan voices:
• Leads
• Double Seconds
• Cellos
• Bass
The Steel Band 's vibrant repertoire includes Soca, Calypso, Latin, Classical, and Pop selections, offering audiences a unique and uplifting musical experience.
*ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLES*
Looking for something more intimate or tailored to a specific event? Smaller performance groups can be arranged upon request, providing flexible musical options and sizes for community events and retirement centers.
