DC’s Different Drummers was awarded the Jon Sims Endowment Fund’s second annual “Jon Sims Excellence Award” at the Pride Bands Alliance conference in Ft Lauderdale, FL, on October 25, 2025, for their amazing accomplishments during 2024. A crystal trophy and a check for $2,500 were presented to long-time DCDD member, David McBee.
Presenting the award were JSEF Treasurer Joel Shapiro, JSEF Board member Judy Ames, and JSEF Secretary Dencil White.
Regarding the selection of DC’s Different Drummers, White said,
“We had a terrific level of participation in these second Excellence Awards. Twelve of our investing organizations completed Accomplishments forms delineating their achievements during 2024. There are some amazing things being done by these LGBTQ+ performing arts organizations and we’re so proud of them.”
Added Shapiro,
“The work that DC’s Different Drummers achieved in 2024 really stood out, but all the accomplishments by these organizations are notable. As JSEF did a year ago, we will be sharing summaries of all the Accomplishment forms so that all of our investing organizations will be inspired to achieve even more in their local communities.”
The award is open to all 19 organizations that have invested funds in JSEF. A year earlier, at the 2024 Pride Bands Alliance conference, the Jon Sims Excellence Award went to the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble.
When asked to comment on the significance of receiving this award, DC’s Different Drummers Treasurer Kyle Ruempler, their Treasurer, had this to say this
“The missions of DCDD and JSEF both seek to serve and foster strength through community for LGBTQ+ people, and that is reflected in our shared history and partnership. DCDD is grateful to JSEF for their diligent stewardship of the collective funds from across the Pride Bands Alliance, and we accept this recognition with humble hearts and a drive to keep pushing forward.
Receiving this year’s JSEF Excellence Award reflects the immense effort of our membership to make DCDD the incredible organization we know and love. Additionally, the award supports our recent move to a bigger rehearsal space and it will open the door to collaboration with new partners in and around DC. We are proud to continue to invest with JSEF for the future of our musicians and our performers. We are thankful for the service provided to our community by all associated with JSEF.”
Accepting the Jon Sims Excellence Award is David McBee (left) from DC’s Different Drummers. Making the presentation is JSEF Treasurer Joel Shapiro (center) and JSEF Secretary Dencil White (right). Also attending the presentation (but not shown here) is JSEF Board member Judy Ames who provided the photo.