2014 International Band Tour to Toronto: June 30-July 9

Toronto at night
The Toronto skyline at night. Photo by Benson Kua.
The 2014 All-State Lions Band will travel to Toronto for the Lions International Convention; we are excited you are interested in learning more about the band.

This year, our international trip will take us to our neighbor to the north - Toronto, Canada - with performances and sightseeing along the way.  Members of the band will enjoy a superb musical experience, and will make many new friends along the way among music students drawn from across Pennsylvania.

The tour begins with a concentrated rehearsal period in a college environment.  Our rehearsals are held at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College.  Their outstanding campus sets the tone for our trip, and gives our members a chance to experience college life, if only for a few days.

Following our rehearsals in Gettysburg, we will depart for a six-day tour to Toronto, Canada.  While there we will compete in the Lions International Parade and give several concerts.  All members of the international band are in the concert band and parade band (marching).  Some members may also be in the jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble or other chamber groups.

Not only will we perform multiple times in different venues, we'll also get to see the CN Tower (famous Toronto landmark), visit the Toronto Zoo and the Ontario Science Center, and explore Niagara Falls, including a journey behind the falls and the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Selection is based on past participation in the All-State Lions Band, instrumentation needs, experience on your instrument (9th grade and up with older students usually selected first), and participation in PMEA events including County, District, Region and All-State Bands.   Students with parents that are Lions or recommendation by Lions Clubs are also a strong positive.
A letter of acceptance will be sent on or around March 15.  Please double-check to be sure that if you are accepted you will attend.  Check your school and personal calendars for possible conflicts, including concerts and trips with your school band, prom, family events, etc.  Once you are accepted, we plan for you to be in the band, as well as prepare food and rooming needs.  If you apply and are accepted, then drop out, you will have taken a slot that could have gone to someone else. 

Cost for the
International Band

The member participation fee for the 2014 All-State Lions Band International Tour to Toronto is $495.  Given the trip provides ten days of accommodations, meals, admission to all attractions, and more, this is an incredible price.  The majority of the cost is paid by the Lions of Pennsylvania, who generously support the band and its members.

The fee is payable in three installments:
  • A $200 deposit is due along with the application, no later than March 1.
  • A second payment of $150 is due on April 15.
  • A final payment of $145 is due on May 15.

Note that if you are not selected for the band, your deposit will be refunded in full.  If you are selected for the band, you have until March 15 to decline your acceptance and receive a refund of your deposit.  After March 15, no refunds will be given.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young musicians gain musical and life experience; we want our trips to be available to all.  If you have financial need and need assistance, there are several options available to you.  Learn more about financial assistance.

Schedule and Itinerary

Note: this schedule is tentative and for planning purposes only.  The final itinerary will be sent to all band members with their acceptance letters after March 15.

Monday, June 30: Arrive at Gettysburg College; registration, welcome meetings, rehearsal begins

Tuesday, July 1 - Thursday, July 3: Rehearse and have fun at Gettysburg College

Thursday, July 3: Farewell concert in Gettysburg; enjoy fireworks on the lawn in celebration of Independence Day

Friday, July 4: Off to Toronto!

Saturday, July 5: Perform in the Lions International Show, the Lions International Parade, and attend the teen dance

Sunday, July 6: Performance at Canada's Wonderland, followed by a day in the park.  Enjoy a dinner and DJ on the Harbor Cruise this evening.

Monday, July 7: Spend the morning at the Toronto Zoo (with a performance), followed by an afternoon at the Ontario Science Centre.

Tuesday, July 8: Our day at Niagara Falls!  A performance at the falls, journey behind the falls, and cruise on the Maid of the Mist right up to the water's edge.

Wednesday, July 9: Travel back to Gettysburg...the end of a great tour!