Farewell Gettysburg... Viva Las Vegas!

It is hard to believe that an entire year has passed since we traveled to Chicago to celebrate the centennial of Lionism, and yet, here we are, embarking on another outrageously fun Lions band trip! Much has happened yesterday and today - unfortunately, for most of us, one thing that did NOT happen was sleep!  So, here we are, in Vegas, and very, very sleepy. To that end, I shall write about last evening's concert and leave the flight and events of today for tomorrow.

Last Sunday, approximately 70 students and band staff arrived at Gettysburg College, where we have been preparing for our tour to Las Vegas. This included the usual rehearsals and shenanigans - pool night, hanging out at the Attic, enjoying the stylings of Servo... While many things were the same as previous years, there was one marked difference - Ray Barfield retired from the band after last year's trip, and Vincent LoRusso has replaced him as chairman of the Lions Band Committee. 

Ray many not be with us on the trip, but we know he's still thinking of us, as he made the trip from Bedford to Gettysburg for Wednesday's concert! It was great to see him and catch up, even if it was a bit odd to see him sitting in the audience.

We were also excited to have another very special guest - our own former director, Bob Zellner! We have missed Bob Z. the past two international trips, and so were pleased to have him and Arlene, along with their family, join us for our concert! Mr. Z. even conducted the Pennsylvania Polka at the conclusion of our concert - you can check out the video on our Facebook page.

The concert was also well attended by family members and members of our local Lions clubs, many of whom became Band Boosters to help support the band. (Woohoo! Thanks for the support!) Many of our Lions club members were showing their Lions pride, rocking their vests, tshirts,, and hats.

The concert included a mix of the iconic Lions Band numbers - America the Beautiful, God of our Fathers, and of course, the Pennsylvania Polka - and new repertoire that students have rehearsed over the past week, including a medley from the musical The Music Man. (appropriate, right?!?) The concert ensemble and the jazz band were in fine form, and there were many compliments at the end of the night!

Following the concert, we had some time to enjoy ice cream with our family, friends, and fellow Lions, before  loading up the truck. Then it was back to the dorms for a good night's sleep - or, well, basically a nap, as we checked out of those dorms and loaded the buses at 2:30 AM! 

We have safely arrived in Las Vegas and had a full day of rehearsal and fun, not to mention a great meal at the Hard Rock Café. I will post more about all of these activities tomorrow, when I have a had a good night's sleep and do not feel as though I am going to fall over.

To finish us up for the evening, some pictures from last night's concert: