Frequently Asked Questions
|
How do I become a member of the Band?
Band members are selected each spring through an application process. For more information on the application process and to apply for membership, go to our membership information page. When will I find out if I have been accepted? Letters of acceptance are sent on or around April 1st. How do I get more information? Each year, a mailing is sent to high school directors and to Lions Clubs across Pennsylvania. It contains information about the band and highlights of the current year’s tours. This website is a great resource, but if you still have questions don't hesitate to contact us. |
|
Where does the band rehearse?
For state band (state Lions Conventions within Pennsylvania), the band rehearses at the location of the state convention on Friday, with additional rehearsal and performances on Saturday. This location rotates from year to year.
For international band, the band rehearses for three days at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College prior to leaving on the tour.
What is the difference between the state band and the international band?
The Pennsylvania All-State Lions Band features two types of bands: the state band and the international band.
The state band rehearses and performs each May at the Pennsylvania Lions Clubs State Convention. The state band is usually smaller; it features more veterans of previous international bands, but is also a great way for first-timers to learn more about what we do and who we are. There is no charge to participate in state band; all costs including hotels and meals are paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. The state band meets on a Friday afternoon and rehearses all evening following a welcome meeting and dinner. Rehearsal continues on Saturday, with one or two performances later in the day. All state band activities are done by Saturday evening. The state band is exclusively a concert band.
The international band rehearses for 3 days at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before leaving on a tour that usually lasts from 5-7 days. While on tour, the band's main stop is the International Lions Convention (held in rotating cities around the world), but we also perform and sight-see along the way. The international band is both a concert band and a parade band; we compete in the Lions International Parade while at the convention. There is also a jazz ensemble and select other chamber ensembles, drawn from within the main band. There is a fee to participate in the international band, but it is very low and only covers a small portion of each member's expenses. The majority of the cost is paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. While on tour, the band stays in nice hotels (such as Embassy Suites) and eats meals at a variety of restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Applebees, buffet restaurants, and others.
How is travel to and from the rehearsal sites handled? How do I get to the band?
For state band, we charter 2 to 3 buses, each departing from a different location in Pennsylvania, picking up members along the way. Parents also frequently drive their children to our location, and members who can drive are allowed to do so. Note that, once on site, members may not drive their personal vehicles until the event is over and they are returning home.
For international band, it is the member's responsibility to arrange their own transportation to Gettysburg College. Parents usually drive their children to our location, and members who can drive are allowed to do so. Note that, once on site, members may not drive their personal vehicles until the event is over and they are returning home. Find out how to get to Gettysburg College!
Are there Instruments available?
The All-State Lions Band provides all percussion instruments, including concert and marching percussion. We also provide silks and equipment for the international band color guard. We do not provide woodwind or brass instruments, except in very special circumstances. Students usually use their own instruments or, if they are using a school instrument, they obtain permission from their band director to bring that instrument to Lions Band.
I'm a color guard performer...can I be in the Lions Band?
The international band features a color guard, as part of the parade band. There are no "color guard only" members, though - all members are expected to also play an instrument in the concert band. Instrumentalists with guard experience are encouraged to perform in the guard for the parade band.
Does participation in the state convention band change my status for the international band?
Do I have to be in the state band to be in the international band?
A student doesn't have to go to state convention to be selected for international, however, it gives more weight to those that do if it becomes very competitive for certain instruments.
What if I get sick while with the band?
The All-State Lions Band travels with a nurse at all times. If a member becomes seriously ill, appropriate treatment will be sought. In all cases, parents will be notified.
What does it cost to be in the band? What does the tour fee include? What else do I have to provide?
There is no tour fee for the state band - all costs are paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania.
Members do pay a small fee for the international band, but it is very low and only covers a small portion of each member's expenses. The majority of the cost is paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. While on tour, the band stays in nice hotels (such as Embassy Suites) and eats meals at a variety of restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Applebees, buffet restaurants, and others.
Uniform shirts are provided, but members must provide their own white pants and solid white shoes. Members should also bring spending money for snacks and incidentals, especially for international.
How do band members pay for the tour? Is there any financial assistance available?
Students are responsible for paying their own tour fee. They may approach local Lions Clubs, band boosters, service clubs, and other community organizations for financial assistance. However, funds not raised through these efforts must be paid by the individual band members. Full payment must be received at least one month prior to departure. Find out more about how to seek financial assistance.
For state band (state Lions Conventions within Pennsylvania), the band rehearses at the location of the state convention on Friday, with additional rehearsal and performances on Saturday. This location rotates from year to year.
For international band, the band rehearses for three days at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College prior to leaving on the tour.
What is the difference between the state band and the international band?
The Pennsylvania All-State Lions Band features two types of bands: the state band and the international band.
The state band rehearses and performs each May at the Pennsylvania Lions Clubs State Convention. The state band is usually smaller; it features more veterans of previous international bands, but is also a great way for first-timers to learn more about what we do and who we are. There is no charge to participate in state band; all costs including hotels and meals are paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. The state band meets on a Friday afternoon and rehearses all evening following a welcome meeting and dinner. Rehearsal continues on Saturday, with one or two performances later in the day. All state band activities are done by Saturday evening. The state band is exclusively a concert band.
The international band rehearses for 3 days at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before leaving on a tour that usually lasts from 5-7 days. While on tour, the band's main stop is the International Lions Convention (held in rotating cities around the world), but we also perform and sight-see along the way. The international band is both a concert band and a parade band; we compete in the Lions International Parade while at the convention. There is also a jazz ensemble and select other chamber ensembles, drawn from within the main band. There is a fee to participate in the international band, but it is very low and only covers a small portion of each member's expenses. The majority of the cost is paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. While on tour, the band stays in nice hotels (such as Embassy Suites) and eats meals at a variety of restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Applebees, buffet restaurants, and others.
How is travel to and from the rehearsal sites handled? How do I get to the band?
For state band, we charter 2 to 3 buses, each departing from a different location in Pennsylvania, picking up members along the way. Parents also frequently drive their children to our location, and members who can drive are allowed to do so. Note that, once on site, members may not drive their personal vehicles until the event is over and they are returning home.
For international band, it is the member's responsibility to arrange their own transportation to Gettysburg College. Parents usually drive their children to our location, and members who can drive are allowed to do so. Note that, once on site, members may not drive their personal vehicles until the event is over and they are returning home. Find out how to get to Gettysburg College!
Are there Instruments available?
The All-State Lions Band provides all percussion instruments, including concert and marching percussion. We also provide silks and equipment for the international band color guard. We do not provide woodwind or brass instruments, except in very special circumstances. Students usually use their own instruments or, if they are using a school instrument, they obtain permission from their band director to bring that instrument to Lions Band.
I'm a color guard performer...can I be in the Lions Band?
The international band features a color guard, as part of the parade band. There are no "color guard only" members, though - all members are expected to also play an instrument in the concert band. Instrumentalists with guard experience are encouraged to perform in the guard for the parade band.
Does participation in the state convention band change my status for the international band?
Do I have to be in the state band to be in the international band?
A student doesn't have to go to state convention to be selected for international, however, it gives more weight to those that do if it becomes very competitive for certain instruments.
What if I get sick while with the band?
The All-State Lions Band travels with a nurse at all times. If a member becomes seriously ill, appropriate treatment will be sought. In all cases, parents will be notified.
What does it cost to be in the band? What does the tour fee include? What else do I have to provide?
There is no tour fee for the state band - all costs are paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania.
Members do pay a small fee for the international band, but it is very low and only covers a small portion of each member's expenses. The majority of the cost is paid by Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania. While on tour, the band stays in nice hotels (such as Embassy Suites) and eats meals at a variety of restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Applebees, buffet restaurants, and others.
Uniform shirts are provided, but members must provide their own white pants and solid white shoes. Members should also bring spending money for snacks and incidentals, especially for international.
How do band members pay for the tour? Is there any financial assistance available?
Students are responsible for paying their own tour fee. They may approach local Lions Clubs, band boosters, service clubs, and other community organizations for financial assistance. However, funds not raised through these efforts must be paid by the individual band members. Full payment must be received at least one month prior to departure. Find out more about how to seek financial assistance.
