May Day Marching Band performs in a field in front
                of a stage with a graffiti-style backdrop saying
                "MOVEMENT"
Diagonal digital banner reads
                "May Day Marching Band"

A community band welcoming members of all skill levels!

We like playing fun and funky music at parades, rallies, protests, picnics, fiestas, and other events.

We also love to show up random places and surprise ya'!

May Day Marching Band stands in costume in the
                  street during a parade, many members gaze to left
                  of frame

Statement of Purpose

Community

Community

To build and strengthen our community while supporting organizations and causes by bringing music, sound, creativity, and flexibility

Public Space

To transform and reclaim public space; to encourage spontaneity, add energy, build or break tension, express grief and radical joy, support community sentiment, and raise morale

Band performs in front of a bus painted with
                        a stylized graphic of a lion while 
                        spectators sit at picnic tables nearby

Accessibility

To make music accessible by teaching and welcoming musicians of all skill levels as a core value, which we embody through our commitment to practice and growth

Person in a flowery costume plays a flute
                        facing away from the camera

Uphold and Advance Values

View from rear of band marching in the middle
                        of a city street

To live our beliefs in all that we do and to never compromise our integrity for utility or personal gains

Our Values

  • Awareness of our impact
  • Equality through horizontal non-hierachial organization
  • Fighting systemic oppression
  • Supporting each other in unlearning oppression
  • Nonviolence
  • Respect
  • Consent
  • Compassion
  • Empathy

Contact

If you would like us to play at your event or have questions about the band, please contact us at maydayband@riseup.net

If you're interested in contacting us to play a show, please give at least three weeks advance notice. We will try our best to confirm with you within a week after you contact us. When you email us, please include the following information:

  • Date, time of the event, and the time you'd like us to play
  • Location
  • Who is organizing your event?
  • What is your event for? What is the cause being advanced?

Play with us!

Recruitment of new band members is currently paused but feel free to contact us anyway!

We may be able to provide you with sheet music and recordings for preparation, as well as the latest news on the band. You are also welcome to join us at any upcoming events!

We welcome members of all skill levels, and our goal is to be inclusive of everyone who would like to play with us. Our main practice is every Sunday from 2PM-4PM, and additional practice is every Thursday from 7PM-9PM. As a general rule, if the temperature is below 50 degrees, we play indoors. Email us at maydayband@riseup.net if you would like to attend!

May Day Marching Band poses for a picture in front
                  of a maypole and other festive elements. A banner
                  in the left side of the frame reads "You can
                  join ASK US HOW"

MDMB has Paused Recruitment!

...while we build our 2026 set list, refine onboarding, and address other administrative needs during this holiday season.

Feel free to keep in touch for up-to-date information and resources. We will welcome new members after February 4, 2026!