Submitted by David Doan

Received support and written narrative from three individuals.

Blake Velde: Dencil is well known in LGBA circles as a founder of one if not the largest and oldest ensembles, DC’s Different Drummers. When I first met Dencil it was before I joined DCDD in 2000. I knew him from other organizations he helped found in the DC area. Dencil greeted me at my first rehearsal as if a long lost friend had been found. Whenever our paths cross he goes out of his way to make you feel welcome. The importance of this gift is a most important gift he shares and is the glue that helps hold together any organization he is a part of. Dencil also models how long time members can contribute to their bands. I hope that I can continue to contribute to my band as he has. I will forever remember his endearing role as “Little Cindy Lou Who” complete with a bow on top of his head for DCDD’s rendition of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Kevin Gilbert: I’m not sure how many years he was in DCDD, but he played trumpet in the marching band and symphonic band for many years. His work at The College Board kept him very busy, so I’m not sure if he was on the DCDD Board. Dencil made sure everyone felt welcome, especially new members. He was a social butterfly and seemed to know everyone in the band. His laughter was infectious. One time at band camp, he dressed up in a toga and put gold glitter on his face and head. I think everyone in the band got glitter on them by the end of the night. Whenever I find a piece of glitter in a random place, I still think of Dencil. Above all, Dencil ensured everyone had fun and felt part of the DCDD family.

David McBee: I have known Dencil for over 15 years. First as a member of DC’s Different Drummers (DCDD), then as a member of the Desert Winds Freedom Band (DWFB) and as a Board member of LGBA (now Pride Bands Alliance).

David Doan: I have gotten to know Dencil very well over the last two years through my involvement with the Pride Bands Alliance Membership Engagement Program. Dencil has accomplished so much in his long tenure as the president of Desert Winds Freedom Band. He also is closely connected with local government, civic, and nonprofit organizations. Under his leadership, Desert Winds have had many successes in securing grants and corporate sponsorships. Concerts are always sold out with multiple performances for each program. Dencil is able to grow others into leadership positions and think about succession planning and the need to leverage people’s strengths to grow and mature the Board governance. He has strong relationships with many leaders within the Pride Bands community. He is well deserving of the Pillars of Pride recognition for his numerous accomplishments that are aligned to the pillars of support, growth, musicianship, dedication, and innovation.

CORE QUALITIES of the PILLARS OF PRIDE:

RED – SUPPORT Dencil has always been a tremendous support to his own band as well as other musicians. He is friendly and encourages others. He’s willing to pitch in and help when needed.

I first worked with him when DCDD was organizing to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Dencil was the chairman of our committee and helped us organize and publish an excellent anniversary booklet full of stories and photos.

Dencil was an active, engaged member of the LGBA Board and participated in committees.

ORANGE – GROWTH Dencil has worked hard over the years to help grow DCDD and DWFB. He has helped to recruit new members and sustain the organizations as they faced challenges of growth and changes in leadership.

YELLOW – MUSICIANSHIP

Throughout the years I have known him, Dencil continues to grow as a musician. He’s happy to take any part that is assigned, but he practices to be a good member of the ensemble. He’s a confident musician, but he’s not a prima donna. Dencil is the kind of musician who is happy to let others shine.

GREEN – FELLOWSHIP

Hands down, this is where Dencil shines. He is friendly to all. Dencil has an engaging smile that puts others at ease. He encourages others to participate in activities – musical and social. Dencil is a good friend and is very good to reach out to others.

BLUE – DEDICATION Dencil was a member of DCDD for many years until other obligations took him away. When he returned to the band, he was active in ensembles and helped on committees and provided financial support to the band.

Before he moved to Palm Springs, he reached out to the DFWB to get to know them and immediately became active in the band. Once he moved, he took on leadership roles in the organization and helped them grow to the point that DFWB has hosted two successful conferences for LGBA!

Dencil’s dedication extended to service on the LGBA Board of Directors where he took on an active role.

PURPLE – INNOVATION Though I don’t have any specifics – I know that Dencil is open to new ideas and new methods. There’s thinking inside the box, outside the box, and there’s “what do we need this box for?” Dencil is in that category – what works best in this situation. If we have to think up something new, he’ll support it.

Final thoughts – Dencil is someone I would always want on my team. He has a wicked sense of humor, is even-tempered and genuinely considerate. He’s able to cut through nonsense and be respectful of others. He shines with the glow of someone who is comfortable with their own identity and will help others shine as well.