Who we are, as The F.O.R.C.E.
                                                                                

Our Four Priorities:

1. We are a positive, creative, funky, unique, and joyful marching ensemble!  We are not, and are not trying to be, a "normal" marching band/brass band.  

2. We are built on a foundation of Middle Eastern and other World dance rhythms, as well as medieval processional and dance music.  Our goal is for people in earshot to start dancing, because they can't help it!  Our melodic and harmonic material supports this, and spans genres, as does our instrumentation.

3. We are an ensemble that embraces diversity and builds on the strengths of members with very different musical backgrounds.  This includes beginners; most of our members are musicians playing a different instrument from their professional or primary one!  We create in line with our unique skills and enthusiasm -- medieval singing with flutes and drums, a zills corps of bellydancers, and Mexican folk songs have joined our original Star Wars tunes over Arabic rhythms-- these all stem from our varied musical backgrounds and the opportunities that arise for us to perform and grow. 

We embrace the open road, going where the momentum of our strengths & ideas leads us.

4. We do not tolerate hate.  While we welcome a diversity of views on many things, we do not tolerate anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ+, or other hateful views.  To maintain a welcoming and positive space, we require respectful behavior toward all members and will not tolerate agressive or harassing behavior.

5. We want to sound good!   Notice that this is Priority #5, not Priority #1.  We would love to sound tight and balanced, and be respected by fellow musicians, but with the caveat that this goal is behind Priorities 1-4.