Made In Chicago: Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles
(CBS) -- Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles have been a part of the city -- and the city's LGBT community -- since 1979. That's when some people got a group of musicians together because the gay pride parade needed a marching band.
Today, there are 150 members, WBBM's Steve Miller reports.
"And we've actually grown this past year by around 40 people. So it's been a big year for growth for us," says board chairman Bradley Fritz.
There are three main ensembles: the marching band, the symphonic band and the jazz orchestra.
We sat in on a jazz orchestra rehearsal as they were sight-reading late additions to the Pride Week program -- pieces added because of what happened in Orlando.
"I was definitely holding my partner much closer and telling my friends I loved them. And I want to tell you that I love performing with you and the community we've created here is just beautiful," Orchestra Director Scott Malinowski told his musicians.
"And it's so important now that we continue our mission to spread our message of love and understanding of the LGBT community to everyone.
"So thank you so much for being part of that. Really appreciate it."
"We love you too, Scott," a band member says.
"So we'll add this tune, 'Over the Rainbow' and we'll give tribute to the folks in Orlando... So let's give this one another run-through."