Iowa Pride Ensembles
Iowa’s premiere LGBTQIA+ Performance Group
About Iowa Pride Ensembles
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the mission of Iowa Pride Ensembles is to promote artistic expression, education, community, and acceptance through performance.
We accept members of all playing abilities, though we do recommend some previous experience with instrumental music. Members and supporters of the LGBTQIA2+ community that are 18+ are all welcome to join any ensemble of IPE.
Become a performer with one of our ensembles today!
IPE offers three seasons:
Marching Season: March to June
Concert Season: September to December
Jazz Season: January to March
2026 Schedule
Concert Band Season:
Regular Rehearsals: 2-5 pm at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, October 11
Sunday, October 25
Sunday, November 8
Sunday, November 15
Sunday, December 6
Sunday, December 13
Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, December 19, at Drake Performing Arts Hall
Concert: Sunday, December 20, 3:00pm at Drake Performing Arts Hall
Jazz Band Season:
Rehearsals begin Winter 2026.
Marching Band Season:
Rehearsals Begin March 2027.
Capital City Pride Parade: June 13th
Iowa Pride Ensembles Jazz Orchestra, March 2026
Iowa Pride Ensembles Founders:
Rachel Gulick, Meredith Murphy, Amanda Thomas-Murphy
Iowa Pride Ensembles Concert Band, December 2025
IPE In The NEWS:
Iowa Starting Line Interview
Interview with Gary Nell, Meredith Murphy, and Rachel Gulick
Iowa Public Radio Interview
Talk of Iowa interview with Amanda Thomas-Murphy (30:00)
Little Village Magazine
Iowa Pride Ensembles Are Making Noise All June
“Coming Out Of The Dark” - Winter Concert
Iowa Pride Ensembles debuts with winter concert in Des Moines
Capital City Pride Parade 2025
Iowa Pride Ensembles becomes the first LGBTQ marching band to perform at Capital City Pride
Members of the Iowa Pride Ensembles Jazz Orchestra performing at the Capital City Pride Gala, March 2026
Thank you to our sponsors!
