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Reign City Riot


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Who is Reign City Riot?

Reign City Riot is Seattle's most inclusive sports band that supplies high-energy entertainment before, during, and after home matches of OL Reign, Seattle's NWSL soccer team. A joint venture of OL Reign and Rainbow City Performing Arts, Reign City Riot includes many members of other RCPA ensembles and music groups from around the community who share a common love of music, OL Reign, and bringing spirit to both the athletes and the fans.

What Reign City Riot Does

Reign City Riot performs sets both before and after OL Reign home matches and often plays during the halftime break. Our drumline plays an extensive set of cheers during matches to keep the Reign supporters and fans on their feet and help drive us to victory.

Our music generally consists of current high-energy pop and rock tunes that our fans know and love, mostly released within the last five years. We have commissioned most of our music custom written for us, so you won't be hearing these same arrangements from other bands.

In addition to OL Reign soccer, we also perform in various events in our community including other sports, pride events, private and corporate events, and more. Inquire about our availability to liven up your event!

How Reign City Riot is Different

We are different than any other professional sports band! As the first band supporting a professional women's team in all of American sports, we work together to build a family of musicians of all abilities and identities and make you welcome to express yourself with us through our shared love of performance. We also make our music choices to intentionally focus on songs by women and people of color as well as songs lifting up the LGBTQIA+ community.

The band is backed by Rainbow City Performing Arts, performing instrumental music in Seattle since 1998. Through collaboration and shared resources, we are building a strong lasting legacy in Seattle with a welcome place for those who want to join our mission. All are welcome! Whether you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, differently abled, or still building musical skills, we are committed to securing a space and supporting everyone who is interested in expressing themselves on their instrument.


Common Membership Questions


How do you engage with the community?

We perform at all OL Reign home matches for tens of thousands of fans each season. We also perform at numerous other community events throughout the year.


When and where are the rehearsals? How long is the performance season?

Wednesday evenings from 7 - 9:30pm at Lumen Field with free parking and close access to bus and light rail. The rehearsal term starts in March and lasts until the matches become regular. Then, rehearsals remain intermittent as needed. We also attend band camp in mid-May with the Rainbow City Marching Band with whom we are invited to participate.

Rainbow City Drumline has its own additional rehearsals.


What instruments could I play?

Instrumentation is for: Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Mellophone, Trombone, Baritone, Sousaphone, Electric Bass, Drumline.

We have limited loaner instruments available.


What’s the skill level required? Is there an audition or cap on membership?

We welcome members of all skill levels and many of our members joined us after a long break from playing. We have a supportive environment for you to build your skills. There is no audition or limit to the number of members, however we are limited in the number that can attend each match.


When can I join?

Contact us at any time to let us know your interest and we will connect you with the ensemble to join at the next opportunity. Initial season rehearsals are early March and you can jump in later mid-Summer to catch the second half of the season.


How do you distribute music?

All RCPA ensembles distribute all music digitally through cloud links. You can print your own music to your preferred size specifications or load it onto a digital device. We do not always have copies of the music available at the rehearsal. Specific parts are assigned by section leaders equitably to distribute members evenly across parts.


What are the basic requirements of membership?

We ask members to attend 80% of all rehearsals or make arrangements otherwise. Member dues are $75 to cover the whole extended summer, or you can utilize our Angel Fund to cover your dues in case of financial need.


 

How do I sign up?

Send us your information and we'll get back to you with opportunities to join

Reign City Riot History

Our relationship with OL Reign (then, Reign FC) began in the fall of 2015, when drumline member John Arrowsmith approached the RCPA board with a proposal to work with the Reign to provide drumline cheers at home games. After working through logistics with the Reign, creating a book of drumline cheers, and plenty of rehearsal time, this new partnership debuted the following spring. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the drumline became regulars and fan favorites as they pumped up the crowds at Seattle's Memorial Stadium.

As the Reign was planning for its 2018 season, it approached RCPA with a proposal to bring a full pep band to the stands. Assistant Director Erin Keeton-Howard worked with the Reign, John, and the drumline to create an experience for fans before, during, and after the game. We piloted Queen City Corps in May 2018 for the first of a four-match pilot season (the drumline continued to play at all home matches.)

Fan response was instantly enthusiastic, and so in 2019 we expanded to a full season of performances. With Reign FC's move to the more comfortable, higher-capacity Cheney Stadium, our ensemble got its new name: Reign City Riot. Interim Director Wes Walton took the reins (so to speak) and, together with our artistic director, Timothy V. Norris, Jr., built a strong musical repertoire to keep the fans entertained. With the renamed OL Reign moving to Seattle's Lumen Field in 2022, we're looking forward to many victories ahead!