L Train Brass Band

With 100+ brass, reed, and percussion musicians, **L Train Brass Band ** is New York’s largest brass band. This NYC nonprofit community organization is grounded in modern and traditional New Orleans music, but also plays pop covers and more, with some truly unique songs thrown in there, too!

Creating a safe, positive and — most importantly — fun environment is at the heart of what the L Train Brass Band does, welcoming individuals from all musical backgrounds and walks of life.

The band accepts musicians at a variety of skill levels! We have experienced players fresh out of college bands and drum corps right next to people who haven’t picked up a horn in 30 years.

Note: All members must be able to read sheet music and be comfortable playing their own instrument.

Percussion

Drummers, please reach out to drumline@ltrainbrass.com for info about joining the percussion section of the brass band. We also 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, Meetup announcements for this group begin with “🥁 3rd Rail Drumline...” If you have any questions, please feel free to contact drumline@ltrainbrass.com.

Important FAQs (See more new member details and FAQs here)

WHAT IS THE BAND'S COVID-19 POLICY?
All members must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Upon joining the band – as part of the L Train Brass Band Code of Conduct – all members must affirm that they fulfill the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. (Full vaccination is defined as receiving 3 separate CDC-approved doses.)

WHAT INSTRUMENTS CAN PLAY IN THE BAND?
Our instrumentation consists of clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, mellophones, and tubas. If you’re a percussion player, please contact drumline@ltrainbrass.com.

WHEN DO YOU MEET AND DO I NEED TO ATTEND EVERYTHING?
The band rehearses every Sunday from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at Culture Lab LIC in Long Island City, Queens. Your section leader will give you specific instructions on how to find us upon joining. Although you are not required to attend every rehearsal, we recommend that members come to at least two rehearsals before any performance. Some shows/performances will have other specific requirements.

We ask that you bring your own instrument and recommend bringing a music stand or phone lyre. Don’t own your own instrument? Email membership@ltrainbrass.com and we may be able to help.

Access to sheet music will be provided after joining.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO BE IN THE BAND?
After a 14-day free trial, our members pay mandatory dues, currently fixed at only $6.95 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.

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO JOIN THE BAND?
Yes, you must be 21 or older to join L Train Brass Band.

HOW DO I JOIN?
Joining is easy! Request to join our Meetup group and answer 5 quick questions. After submitting your answers, be sure to check your Meetup messages—you’ll receive an invitation link to our Slack channel, our main communication platform. Joining Slack is required before attending your first rehearsal.