2019 State Band Member Information

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band State convention members area! 
We are glad you will be part of our ensemble, and are looking forward to making great music together!

Please read and review the information on this page carefully. 
It contains all you need to know about the State Band, and should answer most or all of your questions. 
​Of course, if you still have questions please feel free to contact us and we will answer them as quickly as possible.

Travel information

For those providing their own transportation:

We are rehearsing at the Penn State University Blue Band Building, University Dr. State College PA 16803

The Convention is being held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd, State College, PA 16803 MAP IT!

​All participants will be housed at The Comfort Suites, State College, 132 Village Dr, State College, PA 16803. MAP IT!

All participants should arrive at the Comfort Suites by 4:15pm on Friday, May 18.

High school students driving themselves will be asked to surrender their car keys for the duration of the event.

Our final concert is Saturday, May 19 at 6:00pm. 

Parents are invited to attend this performance.  Participants will be required to stay for approximately 30 minutes following our final concert to help break down equipment and return uniform parts.  They will be able to leave after these obligations are complete.
For those riding a bus provided by PA Lions:

Lions Clubs of Pennsylvania are providing two charter buses, each departing from a different part of the state, to help participants with travel needs.

The "East bus" will depart from Schuylkill Mall in Frackville on Friday, May 18.
  • Pickup #1: 1:45pm at Big Lots Frackville, 940 Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, PA 17931  MAP IT!
    East Bus riders should eat lunch before boarding the bus - this is the only meal not provided by Lions

The "West bus" will depart from The Lowes in Monreville on Friday May 18.
  • Pickup #1: 12:30pm at Old Navy in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center, Monroeville.  4100 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146  MAP IT!
  • Pickup #2: 1:15pm at McDonald's New Stanton, 9 Byers Rts 119, New Stanton, PA 15672  MAP IT!
  • Pickup #3: 2:15pm at Travelodge Bedford, 4517 US-220 BUS, Bedford, PA 15522  MAP IT!
    West Bus riders should eat lunch before boarding the bus - this is the only meal not provided by Lions


On the return trip, the bus will drop-off at each location Saturday Night, May 19.

  • The approximate arrival time at the Travelodge in Bedford is 8:45pm
  • The approximate arrival time at the Lowes in Monroeville is 9:15pm
  • The approximate arrival time at the Schuylkill Mall is 9:30pm

What to bring

Required Items
  • Solid white pants - these are our uniform pants.  Sometimes they can be hard to find, especially for men.  Dickies makes a good pair, and white scrubs pants can work as well.
  • Solid white shoes - no color markings.  White marching shoes are best, but plain white sneakers or dress shoes are also acceptable.  Women must wear close-toed shoes with no heel.  Please no heels or flats.
  • Solid white socks, mid-calf or higher.  No color rings/no ankle socks, please.
  • Your instrument and all accessories (reeds, mutes, etc.)
  • A music stand - folding is fine, or a full stand
  • Any required medications (a nurse is on our staff and can assist if needed)
  • Relaxed clothes for rehearsal, sleepwear, toiletries, etc.  We strongly encourage you not to overpack!
Note: a polo shirt will be provided as part of your performance uniform.
Optional Items
  • Spending money.  All your meals are provided, but you may choose to bring a small amount of spending money for vending machines.
  • Camera
  • Refillable water bottle

hotel/Accommodations

All participants will be housed in the Comfort Suites, State College.  Participants will share quad, single gender rooms.

Rooms are assigned based on participants' geographical location,  school, instrument, and age.

Participants will not spend much time in the rooms other than sleep (see our very busy schedule below).

After evening room checks are complete, participants must not leave their rooms except in the case of emergency.

Some participants may choose to bring a laptop, tablet or other WIFI-dependent device.  WIFI access is available in the rooms and lobby.

ADA Accessible rooms are available.  If this is an area of need, please contact us and we will make arrangements.

Schedule

Friday, May 18

4:00 PM – Meet at the Comfort Suites, State College

4:15 PM - All students travel to Blue Band Building
​
4:30 PM – Welcome meeting

4:45 PM – Rehearsal

9:30 PM - To Hotel

10:00 PM – Pizza

11:00 PM – To rooms

11:30 PM – Room checks/lights out
Saturday, May 19
6:30 AM – Wake up!

7:00 AM – Breakfast

8:00 AM – Rehearsal

10:00 AM – Set-up for concert #1               
11:00 AM – Concert #1

12:30 PM – Lunch 

2:00 PM – Rehearsal
5:00 PM – Set-up for Concert #2
6:00 PM – Concert #2

7:00 PM – Uniform Collection; wrap-up (approximate)

7:30 PM – Ensemble Dismissed; return home (approximate)