The L Train Brass Band is composed of both experienced musicians and adventurous amateur players looking for something new and exciting in their musical lives. While you should have basic music-reading proficiency, we're open to all levels so long as you attend rehearsals as regularly as you can. Check out our FAQs below and join us as soon as you’re ready!
FAQ
-
We're a modular group and can be configured as a 12-person jazz ensemble or a 50+ piece marching band, depending on the event. We will typically perform with 15-25 members.
Our entire collective is ~110 members, not counting our many friends, family, dancers, and artists that regularly support and collaborate with us.
-
Yes, you must be 21 or older to join L Train.
-
Under normal circumstances, our regular rehearsals are held every Sunday at 12:15pm, with gigs and events scattered over evenings and weekends.
We suggest that you come to a minimum of two rehearsals a month to keep up with the repertoire, but you are not required to attend every event or rehearsal.
-
We’re currently rehearsing at Culture Lab in Long Island City!
-
After a 30-day free trial, our members pay mandatory dues, currently fixed at only $5.95 per month.
Dues subsidize rehearsal space rent, parade fees, marketing materials, digital service fees, and more. 100% of members' dues contributions benefit the collective as a whole (no one receives a paycheck).
Our dues minimize out of pocket expenses and keep our members showing up for each other.
-
Our instrumentation is inspired by a mix of NOLA trad jazz and European brass band traditions, and specifically includes: clarinet, saxes (alto, tenor, & bari), trumpet, middle brass (F & Eb horns), trombone, baritone/euphonium, sousaphone, and percussion (see below).
-
As of September 2022, rehearsals are open to anyone who signs up on Meetup with no capacity limits!
Band members must show proof of full COVID vaccination before attending their first rehearsal or show proof of a negative COVID test before every rehearsal.
Bell covers and face masks are not currently required, but safety protocols will be updated periodically according to national and local guidance.
Follow the instructions on Meetup for more details.
-
Please note: the percussion section for the brass band is currently full. But never fear, drummers!
We have a separate drumline group called 3rd Rail Drumline for interested percussionists (and non-percussion players, we take all skill levels including beginner!)
If you are interested in joining 3rd Rail Drumline or have any questions, please feel free to contact drumline@ltrainbrass.com
-
While our American brass band tradition is deeply rooted in the New Orleans style jazz, we pride ourselves in performing a diverse repertoire that is influenced by British, Latin, and Balkan band music as well as a mix of hip-hop, funk, R&B, pop, and fun/weird originals.
-
Our members generally bring and use their own instruments, but we’re pretty well connected and we can do our best to help find you a solution.
Message us on Meetup or membership@ltrainbrass.com and we’ll let you know what we can do!
-
Join L Train Brass Band group on Meetup, RSVP to a rehearsal, follow the COVID instructions, and then show up ready to play—we can't wait to meet you!
“Just wanted to express my gratitude for this group as a whole. I think I speak for myself and many others, especially those not originally from the city, when I say that L Train is what helped me find community and a core group of friends here in NY.
Kinda assumed I’d never play music again, and also assumed that wherever I lived, my social life would still mostly revolve around college friends scattered around the country because making a lot of friends as an adult working remotely and moving a lot is tough. Happy to say I feel rooted here now.”