Wow, Claire - I wish I could play the piano. I tinkered with the keyboard as a child, but only played with one hand, i.e. I didn't learn piano chords. When I started playing guitar, that became my passion, so I never got round to learning to play the piano properly
. I might just consider taking lessons at some point - I don't know when, though.
To answer your question: yes, I do play in a band - I've been involved in two gigging bands over 5 years, and before that I was always doing music in some form or another, whether it be performing in the high school's beauty pageant, the school choir, performing for friends or a house (non-gigging) band. I'm strictly a rhythm guitarist - that's why I wouldn't consider buying a Fender Stratocaster, as it would be wasted on me!
It's a fantastically versatile guitar, so you'll get many hours of pleasure from it if you decide to buy one. It's great that you play in a band too. You go, girl! Do you sing? I sing lead vocals in the band in which I play, and we have three Eagles songs in our repertoire: "Tequila Sunrise", "Lyin' Eyes" and "Hotel California", all of which I have the pleasure of singing!