What You Should Know About 
The Lions of Michigan All State Band

History

Each year from 1948 to 1977, a high school band was selected to represent the Lions of Michigan in the annual parade at their international convention.  In 1978, an all-state band was organized to honor and play for an incoming Lions International President from Michigan.  The Lions All State Band was created and has appeared annually at conventions thereafter.

The All State Band has since become one of the Michigan Lions' most acclaimed youth activities.  The success of the band is attributable to outstanding students, excellent instructors, and dedicated support staff.  Former band directors include Jon Francis, Walter Cole, Jim King, Mack Pittard, and Matt Taton.  The current director is Roger Weyersberg.

Students from over 300 Michigan high schools and communities have participated in the band since its inception.  The band averages 80-100 students.

Performances center around the band's appearance at the Lions Clubs International Convention, held in major cities throughout the world during late June or early July.  Additional concerts and appearances are scheduled enroute to the convention site or during the homeward journey.  The annual tour generally lasts 7 to 10 days.  Major cities where the band has performed include Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, San Francisco, New Orleans, Honolulu, Philadelphia, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Montreal.

Goals
The Lions All State Band provides its members with experience in four major areas:

Musical Performance

	Excellent music literature and high-quality instruction contribute to the long-term growth of band members.
	Time spent in sectionals contributes to improved rhythm, intonation and tone.
	Students return to their own high school bands as a improved performers.

Travel & Education

	Worldwide travel promotes a better understanding of social, cultural and ethnic diversity.
	Participation in unique activities and tourism contributes to the students' appreciation of the world around them (i.e., ranch experience, riverboat cruise, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China).

Sociological Growth

	Students develop social skills through interaction with fellow band members from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
	Many students experience their first opportunity to develop self-reliance through extended travel and absence from home.
	Lasting friendships are formed.

Exposure to the Lions' Motto, "We Serve"

	Concerts at hospitals, orphanages, and retirement centers enable students to bring joy to people less fortunate than themselves.
	Students experience the personal satisfaction of the helping others which is the concept behind the Lions' motto, "We Serve."

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lions All State Band

Who is in the Band?

Band members from Michigan schools, grades 9 through 12, are eligible to audition for the Lions Band.  The band includes traditional woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, and also has an auxiliary unit.  It is not an honors band, and includes a broad range of performance levels.  Applicants should not feel threatened by any of the elements of the audition process.

How do students become members of the Band?

Band members are selected during the annual auditions. A non-refundable fee of $15 is required with each application to audition.

How do I get more information?

Each year, a mailing is sent to high school directors and to Lions and Lioness Clubs throughout Michigan.  It contains audition information, application forms, and highlights of the current year's tour.

When/Where does the band rehearse?

Auditions and rehearsals take place at a mid-Michigan school. Specific details and rehearsal dates are printed in the tour information pamphlet each year.

Weekend rehearsals are generally held in January and April.  A band camp is conducted prior to departure on tour (late June/early July).

What does the tour fee include?

The tour fee includes all transportation, meals, lodging, tours and admissions.  Band members are provided two travel uniforms (shirt/short/socks), a video tape, audio recording, Lions parade patch, souvenir pin, and certificate of participation.  Meals are also provided during the rehearsals.  The total cost varies according to the destination and length of the tour.

How do band members pay for the tour?

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.  

How do the Lions Clubs of Michigan support the Band?

Lions Clubs pay the administrative costs of the band, including music, supplies, telephone, postage, insurance, dress uniforms, instruments, equipment, rent of rehearsal facilities, and staff costs. Some Lions Clubs also choose to donate money toward the trip fees of individual band members.

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©Copyright Lions of Michigan State Office 2001
 Heather Harris