Denver7 Everyday Hero brings harmony and a sense of family to Denver’s LGBTQ+ community

DENVER — In a rehearsal hall filled with laughter and music, every note played by the Mile High Freedom Bands carries more than just melody—it carries belonging.

For more than 40 years, this volunteer-driven community band has been bringing people together through music. At the heart of it all is Artistic Director Derek Hebert, who has dedicated over 13 years to creating a space where everyone, regardless of background or identity, can feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

“We’re committed to making a positive impact in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities and the larger Denver community,” said Heather Smyth, the band’s president. “It’s an inclusive and safe place for musicians of all abilities to come together, play together, and bring joy into the world.”

By day, Hebert teaches fifth through 12th grade band at the Academy Charter Schools in Westminster. By night, he devotes nearly 50 hours a month to rehearsals, performances, and planning with the ensemble.

“Music was always an important part of my life as a gay kid in the South,” Hebert shared. “It was hard to find a place to be myself, and band was like a family.”

That sense of family now extends to more than 200 musicians who meet weekly to rehearse. For many, those rehearsals serve as a lifeline.

“Inclusive bands like this are really important to help people find community in a setting they already know and love,” said Peter Fickenwirth, who plays tuba in the group. “No matter what happens during the week, we know that Thursday night we’ll be here together.”

“We take everyone where they’re at and help them grow,” added Assistant Director Jeremy Vera. “Derek has fostered an environment of creativity, inclusivity, and family.”

Under Hebert’s leadership, Mile High Freedom Bands performs at a dozen concerts and community events each year, including Denver Pride and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

For Hebert, it’s all about connection. “If all of us could connect just a little bit more,” he said, “maybe the world would be a little bit better than it is today.”
https://www.denver7.com/news/7everyday-hero/denver7-everyday-hero-brings-harmony-and-a-sense-of-family-to-denvers-lgbtq-community

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