Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band

Enjoy reading about our tour to Toronto!

7/29/2014

From June 30 - July 9, 2014, the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band spent four days in residency at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College and toured to Toronto and Niagara Falls as part of the 2014 International Lions Convention.

We kept a blog throughout our tour, and encourage you to read it and learn more about what a tour with the Lions Band is like. As you read, remember that blog posts always put the newest ones on top, so if you'd like to read chronologically from beginning to end, start at the bottom of this page and work your way up.

We'll be back with another blog for the 2015 State Band in Lancaster...stay tuned!

back home... see you next year!

7/10/2014

Yesterday was a long day of travel. We spent some time shopping in the Clifton Hill district of Niagara Falls before loading onto the coaches to return home. It was somewhat surprising just how close the border was - we literally could have walked to the United States... Many, many hours later we arrived at Gettysburg College just before 10 pm. I must say, I was impressed by our group's diligent unloading - everybody who could pitched in, and Russ and I were heading home 45 minutes after the bus pulled in - at which point almost all the instruments were put away, not just dumped somewhere in the building.

As our Toronto tour comes to a close, here are some thoughts from students about the trip:

I can't even begin to explain how amazing this trip was. The 31 hours of practicing music and marching was all worth it when we marched down the street of Toronto playing the polka a million times and saw the couples dancing to Can't Help Falling In Love during our performance for the Pennsylvania delegates. It's impossible for me to pick one favorite memory from this trip because there's enough to write a book but I'm very happy to know that we were able to represent our state well, all while making great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. -Kelsey Hurst

All-State Lions Band was musically equivalent to a PMEA festival, but was undoubtedly more fun. The great experiences on this trip ranged from making lifelong friends on a boat to Mr. Schimpf's musical puns in sectionals! Thank you Lions! -Joshua Wagner

Lions Band offers a chance to meet other students from across the state who share a passion for playing high level music together. -Josh Oldham

My experience with the Pennsylvania Lions Band in Toronto was not only a perfect opportunity to learn new things, but also was a ton of fun. I was exposed to many activities that I otherwise would never be able to do. I WILL be back next year! -Kameron Mayhue

I've never had so much fun while also working so hard. The Lions Band has allowed me to do some amazing things and leave me with an experience I will never forget! -Jordan Reis

Day One: We were a cluster of strangers from varying strange lands congregating for a common purpose: Making music. Last Day: Strangers became life-long friends, strange lands became cultural experiences, and our common purpose grew into a common passion. Lions Band made this transformation possible. -Emily Whitcomb

The trip to Toronto was a fantastic experience full of fun and friends. Can't wait for Hawaii! -Dane Alexander

One last thought about Hawaii.... as our Toronto tour comes to a successful close, we all seem to be thinking about next year. We would love to see the band make to Hawaii next year. We will have more information about whether or not we are going forward with the trip in late August or early September - students and band boosters will receive an email with information at that time. I hope to see everyone again in Hawaii next year - cross your fingers!

Niagara falls

7/8/2014

Today, we left Toronto behind, and spent a great day in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

First, we saw an IMAX video about the history of the falls. Some of the "daredevils" were pretty crazy - like the lady who went over the falls in a barrel... with her cat! Who does that to a cat? (And really, I imagine the cat wasn't very happy.... my cat scratches when he's unhappy to be somewhere!) Thankfully, both crazy lady and cat survived.

Then we were off to a great lunch at Planet Hollywood.

The mirror in the girls' room at Planet Hollywood

After lunch, we took a cruise to see the falls up close and personal on Hornblower Cruises. It also started to rain after lunch, so we very thankful to be given ponchos! Of course, we were also going to be getting wet anyway, which seemed to make the rain matter less.

After seeing the falls up close and personal, we went on the Journey Behind the Falls, and experienced the falls from the other side!

In the tunnels, looking out at the falls

The view of the falls from the observation area just to the left

Today we finally had time to stimulate the Canadian economy, aka go shopping.

After our busy afternoon of sight-seeing, we had dinner at Ruby Tuesdays, and then headed to our hotel to check-in and spend a relaxing evening. We are having an evening in tonight, and participants had a chance to enjoy the pool area - which was hopping when I was down there. There were also a number of students fitting in a run on the treadmills in the adjacent exercise room - working off all of the great food that we have eaten this week! There is also word that there will be a late-night round of Laser Tag, which many were excited about!

Tomorrow, sadly, our trip will end - we will have to return to the United States (and deal with customs.... fun....) and then to our homes across the state of Pennsylvania.

band booster membership

7/8/2014

The band needs your support! Our time in Toronto over the past week has been fabulous - this trip has been a successful one on all fronts. We represented the Pennsylvania Lions at the parade - where we placed second!, at our Pennsylvania Delegate Reception, and at a rally for Second Vice Presidential Candidate Robert Corlew. Participants enjoyed an expansive musical experience, with multiple performance opportunities for our different ensembles. The ensembles played classic crowd-pleasers like the Pennsylvania Polka and America the Beautiful, in addition to more modern literature, such as "The Machine Awakes". They also played some classic wind band literature, including the March from Holst's First Suite. We have also broadened our horizons with our visit to our neighbors to the north, and seen sites such as the world-famous CN Tower and Niagara Falls.
Please support the band by becoming a Band Booster, so that we can continue to serve both the Pennsylvania Lions and these great students from around the state of Pennsylvania.

Click here to become a band booster!

important information Re: our arrival home!

7/8/2014

Can you believe that we're set to return to Gettysburg already? It seems like we just left! It has been a great, awesome tour, and I really hope that we can make Hawaii work next year - this is a group of kids that I would definitely travel with again!

Some important information regarding our arrival home tomorrow:

1. We anticipate arriving in Gettysburg at approximately 9 pm. Your son or daughter will call you twice tomorrow to update you - once when we re-enter the US, and again about 1 hour out from Gettysburg.

2. When we arrive at Gettysburg College Campus, your son or daughter will not be able to leave immediately. Participants need to help unload our equipment truck and return all Gettysburg College instruments to their proper location. We estimate that this will take 30 - 45 minutes.

3. When you are ready to leave (after the truck is unloaded, of course) all participants 18 years of age and under need to check out with Cyndi Mancini.

4. I will have Band Booster memberships for sale when we arrive in Gettysburg. (There is another post coming shortly just about Band Boosters.)

5. We hope that your son or daughter will take the time to contact their local Lions club and thank them for their support of the band, either in person by attending a meeting or by writing a letter. Remind your son or daughter to check their email for information about how to do so, talking points, pictures to show, a sample letter, and more.

6. Remind your son or daughter to check their email for information about next year's trip to Hawaii - our hope is to have that information out as soon as next month!

I hope that we see you all next year!

rally and ontario science center

7/7/2014

Today has been another busy day. We started off by sleeping in - yay!!!! After our late night playing for the Pennsylvania Delegation Reception last night, the chance for some extra sleep was greatly appreciated. Today we had another performance for the Lions, playing at a campaign rally for one of the candidates for International Second Vice President. The rally was at the Air Canada Center downtown - the huge arena that they use for sporting events and concerts. It was pretty cool - we entered backstage through the loading dock. We waited in the back until it was time to go on, and then marched into the arena, which was quite the contrast from the backstage. The arena was MASSIVE! We were playing for Bob Corlew, who is from Tennessee, so we played Rocky Top (over and over and over). It was pretty crazy - people got up and marched around with signs while we were playing.

Waiting patiently (and very very quietly) backstage

After the rally, we headed to the Ontario Science Center for our final performance of the trip. The jazz ensemble gave a great concert - when we were finished and packing up, people were asking us if we couldn't just play one more song.

We then had time to explore the science center and view an IMAX movie about the Lemurs of Madagascar. The museum was awesome - there were so many great things to do, including an exhibition about the Science of Rock and Roll. They also had a planetarium, tons of great exhibitions, a "living roof" (the roof is covered with green things) - it was a really great place to visit, and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves.

After a trip back to the hotel to clean up, we headed out for a dinner cruise on Lake Ontario. We were able to enjoy the scenery from our ship - the Showboat - and to watch the sun set during dinner. Much dancing happened, and fun seemed to be had by all!

Tomorrow, we are off to Niagara Falls!

reception for the Pennsylvania Lions

7/7/2014

One of the big events on our schedule for any international tour is playing for the reception for the Pennsylvania Lions' delegation. Both the concert band and the jazz ensemble played.

Check out that crowd!

The event was well attended, with lots of special VIP guests. We even had a few guest conductors for the band!

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Grimaldi

International Director Gregg

The crowd was great, and really got into the music - we even had some dancing during Can't Help Falling in Love.

The big finale was, of course, the Pennsylvania Polka - and again, we had some couples polka-ing around the dance floor!

We also had a chance to say a huge thank you to Lion Marcia Shaull, who has done may great things for the band and will be leaving us soon. Thank you Marcia!

another busy day in toronto

7/6/2014

Last night was the teen dance, sponsored by the Connecticut Lions. I have heard that a great time was had by all - there were some other bands there, as well as some Leo clubs. Those students who weren't in the mood for dancing socialized and played cards in the hotel lobby - and updated their statuses on facebook. Heaven forbid we detach the phones from their hands!

Today has been a busy, busy day. This morning we headed to Canada's Wonderland, where we marched around the park and played a short standing concert. The crowd was very appreciative - someone approached me later in the day to compliment the band!

After our concert, we spent a leisurely afternoon at the park. It was great fun! I floated on the Lazy River, and Russ and I road the Leviathan (which was very, very tall). We also got a chance to see Snoopy conducting a musical fountain in the front of the park - most definitely an experience. (I think that Russ wanted to critique Snoopy's conducting though...) From what I heard, students had a great time riding coasters and hanging out. We ran into many of them in Starbucks towards the end of our time in the park - caffiniating for our long evening ahead!

If we didn't already know what a great group of kids we have, we found out on exiting the park - we were stopped in the parking lot by a disabled vehicle. Russ asked if anyone would be willing to help move the car, and just about every boy on our bus stood up! It certainly seems that we have a group that understands the Lions motto "We Serve"!

We enjoyed dinner downtown in the Hard Rock Cafe. We were running late because of traffic, but the restaurant was great and made sure that we got in! While there, we enjoyed yummy food (lots of burgers!) and even some shopping. We ran into the Michigan band there - they were eating shortly after us, so we got a chance to connect with another state band! We were in a hurry to get to our evening concert, so the servers gave us our cookies to go. Students LOVED the cookies (refused to leave without them!) and were even munching on them while we waited to set up.

Members of the Michigan Lions Band

The director of the Michigan Lions Band

Enjoying dessert on the go!

More later about our evening concert, playing at the reception for the Pennsylvania Lions' delegation.

Lions international parade and convention

7/5/2014

Today was our first full day in Toronto! It was in some ways a comedy of errors, but as Shakespeare would say, "All's well that ends well." The first thing on our agenda was the Lions International Parade. The parade was MASSIVE! There are Lions clubs in 214 countries across the world, and it seemed like all of them were represented! Someone compared the parade to the opening ceremonies at the Olympics, and it seemed an apt comparison - each delegation was dressed in clothes that represented their country or state. Some delegations had floats (like the huge India float that we followed through Toronto on our way to the parade), and some had bands and color guard - like us!

Making the parade - and the rest of our day - even more interesting was the fact that a major road was shut down for the parade, creating traffic and gridlock around the rest of the city. The parade also had to pause on a regular basis because city buses and trams were crossing the parade route.

There was a great crowd cheering us on.

Of course, the majority of the two to three hours that we spent at the parade, we "hurried up and waited." We took advantage of the opportunity to take sectional photos.

After the parade, we headed to the amazing St. Lawrence Market for a quick lunch. We didn't have a lot of time there, but there were lots of shops and food vendors. I enjoyed a wonderful spinach, tomato, and feta cheese crêpe.

After lunch, we headed to the Convention Center to enjoy the exhibition hall and engage in some pin trading. Despite being very close to our destination, it took quite some time to get there because of the traffic caused by the parade. There was also some confusion about where we were going, which resulted in a bus full of us being deposited at the Sheraton downtown - which was not where we were supposed to be! Despite the traffic and confusion, the kids were great, and we all eventually made it to the Convention Center and enjoyed pin trading and viewing the booths.

Next, on to a great dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory - also downtown. Dinner was, of course, spaghetti, and was very tasty. As far as I know, no one got red sauce on their white pants! The staff was also very generous with the napkins, which was helpful. This evening is the "Teen Dance" sponsored by the Connecticut Lions - I'm sure that I will hear all about it tomorrow, and possibly have some pictures to share.

and we're off to toronto!

7/4/2014

After a late night last night, we woke up super early to leave for Toronto - the buses loaded at 5am! There are no pictures of this event, because my brain was still asleep. As you can imagine, we slept on the buses a good amount of the day. Sleeping was complicated by the fact that we were not just driving to Toronto, however - we were playing in the Montrose 4th of July Parade, which stepped off at 11am. So we got some sleep, but then had a gig. I will say, this was the 4th of July Parade to end all 4th of July Parades - it was a major event.

There were LOTS of people there, as you can see from the photos. There was a flashmob at the beginning of the parade, people in the crowd dressed as characters (check out Woody!), and many, many floats and groups involved in the parade. You can check out my pictures below - they represent about half (!) of the parade, as I headed out with the band once they came through. The band looked great!

The band even made the local news stations' clip about the parade - look for us about 30 seconds into the clip and then again at the end.

After the parade, we enjoyed a great lunch, and then.... back on the bus! We crossed the border into Canada around 6pm, and then stopped at a mall near Hamilton for dinner. Then we boogied on to Toronto, where we stopped to check out the view from the CN Tower before heading to our hotel.

The CN Tower is pretty amazing - it is one of the Wonders of the Modern World, and is TALL. There was a moment in the elevator going up (you go up something like 115 stories in less than a minute) that I was pretty scared - in addition to the glass window, parts of the floor were glass. I do NOT want to stand on a glass floor 115 stories up. Evidently, I'm one of few - they have a glass floor area in the viewing area, and there were lots of people standing on it, lying on it, and otherwise enjoying the sensation of looking down a LONG way. (I delegated that picture - no way was I standing on that floor!)

Crazy futuristic security - you stepped in and it blew puffs of air at you that tested for particles of anything forbidden.

The view through the glass floor - I guess that's the aquarium down below?

Craziness!

I'm not that crazy about heights, but the view was AMAZING.

The photos on the observation deck were really hard to get - the lighting outside was red, and every minute or so would flash white for what seemed like a split second - you had to hit it at just the right moment, or you got a really interesting photo.

After leaving the CN Tower - we could have spent much more time there, but we were also ready for the end of a loooooong day - we finally reached our hotel. Hopefully we will all sleep well tonight, as we have a busy day tomorrow - the Lions International Parade in the morning, lunch at a cool market, time at the Convention (pin trading!), dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and a teen dance sponsored by the Connecticut Lions. I'm tired just thinking about all that!

Great concert!

7/3/2014

Last night, students enjoyed a party at "the Attic", a student social space at Gettysburg College - a well-deserved break after a long day of rehearsals! Students enjoyed dancing, playing pool, and socializing, and a great time was had by all!

We're dancing crazy!

Getting into the Music!

Shooting some pool

Socializing

Bob Zellner conducting the Pennsylvania Polka

Today we finished off our time at Gettysburg College with a great concert. The weather forecast forced us to move the concert inside to the College Union Building Ballroom, but it was still a great concert. We had a huge crowd - lots of families, Lions, and other members of our local community.

The concert featured the concert band and jazz ensemble - no room to march in the CUB! We were excited to have Bob Zellner in the audience, who founded the Lions PA All State Band, and led it until recently. This will be our first international trip without Bob - we'll miss you Bob!

Bob and Arlene Zellner

Check out that crowd!

Dr. Russ McCutcheon conducting the Concert Band

Good job Paul!

Lots of intense concentration going on.... Go flutes!

the Jazz Ensemble, directed by Vince

Getting Ready...

After the concert, participants and families enjoyed a good old ice cream social. It was great to talk with parents and family members, and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. Not too long a pat though - we have to leave for Toronto very early tomorrow morning! Russ and I will be heading to campus at 4:30 am, so not much sleep for us! (Eek! That's in just 5 hours! We just got home!) We have to leave early though, so we can make our engagement to march in the Montrose, PA Fourth of July parade at 11am. After that, we'll continue on to Toronto, see the CN Tower, and then finally make it to our hotel. Wish us safe travels!

Ice Cream :)

The music never stops around here.

Just hanging out.

we're almost ready!

7/2/2014

Last night, after a long day of rehearsing, students cooled down in the Gettysburg College Recreation Center. Many students enjoyed the pool, while others played basketball, and some just chilled on the very comfy couches. It was a relaxing, chill end to a long day of hard work!

Swimming Spectators!

Pool Party! Yay!

Just chilling.... Need sleep!!!!

Shooting Some Hoops...

More Marching.... Until they kicked us out of the stadium because of impending thunderstorms.

Today was another busy day of rehearsals. The weather has not been our friend - while it did not rain for much of the day, Gettysburg was under a severe thunderstorm watch and we were unable to spend much time outside. It was also HOT and MUGGY. Despite that, we got lots of great work done in rehearsal today, and are looking forward to our performance in Gettysburg tomorrow evening.

Jazz Band.,. Blow, sax, blow!

More Jazz Band

Jazz Band with the Piano (I played the piano in jazz band in high school, so we can't leave that our!)

Can't forget the drum set either... Let's rock!

Don't forget about our performance tomorrow in Gettysburg! We want to see you there!
8:00 PM, Gettysburg College Campus, the lawn in front of Penn Hall
*Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Rain Location: the College Union Building (on Lincoln)
Following our concert, all participants' families are invited to our ice cream social! Come out and join us!
We will also have memberships in our new Band Boosters Association for sale at the concert - Membership starts at $10 and all funds go directly to support the band. Members will receive a special, limited edition pin and information about periodic updates about the band.

Directions:
Penn Hall is located on N. Washington Street - you will see the stage from the road. (You can see "Penn Hall Dr. on the map to the right.)
The College Union Building is located on Lincoln - you will make a left from Washington onto Lincoln.
There is ample parking on campus, both on the street and in college lots.

Rehearsals, Rehearsals, and More rehearsals

7/1/2014

Our first full day on Gettysburg College Campus has been full of rehearsals. Marching rehearsal, followed by concert rehearsal, sectionals, more concert rehearsal, and more marching rehearsal. (Get the picture?!?)

At marching rehearsal this evening, everyone seemed to be in fine spirits, despite the long rain and the impending storm. Perhaps they are all thinking happy thoughts about tonight's pool night? Or they simply ate too many desserts at dinner and are in sugar comas?

Welcome to gettysburg

6/30/2014

Check out that line!

After much waiting and anticipation, today was finally the first day of our international tour to Toronto! Today, participants converged on historic Gettysburg, where they will rehearse for the next few days before we leave for Toronto on July 4.

Participants checked in, completed required paperwork, and got uniforms and dorm assignments in a throng of other participants and family members.

Then, they headed over to their dorm rooms to drop off their stuff and get settled in. They seem to be settling into college life well - some of them have already told me that their rooms were a mess!

Lost already?

Our dorm!

At our first meeting, participants and families got to meet some of the staff and hear important announcements (including about this blog!).

Vince and Mike, being.... well, Vince and Mike.

Dr. Russ McCutcheon speaking to a parent.

After our meeting, participants scattered to prepare for their auditions and audition.

After a great meal in Servo (aka the Gettysburg College Dining Hall), we had a looooong rehearsal (which is still going on as I write this - one of the perks of not being a musician is that you don't have to stay for all of the long rehearsals). Tomorrow will bring more rehearsing (of course), but also more fun as we get to spend some time here in Gettysburg and get to know one another.

Lions Band 2014 is almost here!

6/25/2014

We are only a few days away from the start of the 2014 International All-State Lions Band.

We will be blogging throughout our preparation period at Gettysburg College and while on the road to Toronto and Niagara Falls. It is our hope that parents, families and friends will follow this blog and share our tour widely - we want you to know what we are "up to" and feel like you are touring alongside us.

If you are looking for information on the tour and our first day, check the Members Area - we've got all the info you might need there. If it turns out we don't and you have a question, don't hesitate to ask.

See you on June 30!

-Russell McCutcheon, Musical Director/Conductor

Author

Bonnie McCutcheon is the wife of Dr. Russell McCutcheon, Musical Director of the Lions PA All-State Band. She teaches history at Wilson College in Chambersburg PA, is an active member of the Gettysburg Lions Club, and volunteers with the Girl Scouts.

Enjoy reading about our tour to Toronto!

back home... see you next year!

Niagara falls

band booster membership

important information Re: our arrival home!

rally and ontario science center

reception for the Pennsylvania Lions

another busy day in toronto

Lions international parade and convention

and we're off to toronto!

Great concert!

we're almost ready!

Rehearsals, Rehearsals, and More rehearsals

Welcome to gettysburg

Lions Band 2014 is almost here!

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