WASHINGTON, DC — The Pride Bands Alliance has officially announced the recipients of the 2026 Pillars of Pride Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary accomplishments, contributions, and an indelible impact on member organizations, the community band movement, and the LGBTQ+ community at large.
The awards are deeply rooted in six core qualities symbolizing the pride movement: Support (Red), Growth (Orange), Musicianship (Yellow), Fellowship (Green), Dedication (Blue), and Innovation (Purple).
This year’s distinguished honorees are:
Alfredo Gomez Jr. (left) Recognized as the ultimate community band member and a quiet, inspirational leader. Alfredo co-founded the Chicago Pride Band in 1979 and was instrumental during the 1982 foundational meeting of Pride Bands Alliance. Over his 44-year history with the alliance, he has performed at three Gay Games and mastered nearly every band instrument across multiple sections. Beyond his immense musicianship, he is celebrated for utilizing his 35-year AMTRAK career to coordinate midwestern ensemble tours and safely distribute historic sheet music libraries.
Dan Bassett (top right) Honored for his stellar, transformative career as he prepares to step down in July 2026 after serving 20 consecutive years as Artistic Director of the South Florida Pride Bands. Dan has uniquely balanced high musical excellence with compassionate, inclusive leadership. Under his watch, South Florida successfully hosted four major alliance conferences. He co-founded the South Florida Pride Youth Band—which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026 and has awarded over a quarter-million dollars in student scholarships. He was also one of the first artistic directors to join the Alliance’s Presidents Circle.
Cliff Norris (bottom right) Celebrated for his immense institutional knowledge and dual-tier leadership at both local and international levels. Cliff served as a director, Vice President, and President of the Pride Bands Alliance Board, guiding the network through a massive modernizing rebranding campaign and navigating the operational adjustments of the pandemic years. A passionate tubist, he has anchored the Atlanta Freedom Bands for 31 of its 33 seasons. Cliff has raised over $110,000 in grant funding since 2012 and established the highly successful Student Composer Residency Program in 2016, which has premiered over 25 new musical works. Peers heavily commend Cliff for his tireless advocacy for trans and BIPOC representation within community music spaces.
About Pride Bands Alliance Pride Bands Alliance is an international network of LGBTQ+ and affirming community bands, marching units, and concert ensembles. Dedicated to promoting visibility, performance excellence, and global community fellowship, the alliance leverages the universal language of music to bridge gaps, build safe spaces, and celebrate diverse pride orientations worldwide.
