Saskatoon Lions Band Programs 2007-2008
Celebrating 54 years!
The Saskatoon Lions Band is a community band which offers an instructional based program to 9-19 year olds. The mission of the band is:
"To provide the youth of Saskatoon and surrounding area, between the ages of 9-19, with an opportunity to participate in a quality musical experience while teaching musicianship, teamwork, leadership, and self- discipline."
Parents of children who participate in the Band Program have come to learn it offers some fundamentally different goals and objectives from existing school band programs. (Students are encouraged to attend their school band programs). Musicianship and quality of instruction are common objectives, as is the ability to contribute meaningfully to a group activity. The Lions Band, however adds to these experiences in the following ways:
- Added responsibility: from junior members to senior members, there are varying levels of responsibility. The beginner learns that his/her band partners depend on him/her to play their part, both musically and in a social sense. The program takes place outside of school hours, and this fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to show up for practices, performances and fundraising activities. The members who join the Field Show component very quickly learn that this role is even more important. Both visually and musically, failure to participate fully impacts significantly on the overall effect of the band. The senior members learn, at an early age, the responsibilities which come with a leadership role. Grade 7 and 8 students who have been in the program for 2-3 years are role models and helpers for beginners. High school age students take on more specific leadership roles, such as section leaders, flag or drum captain and drum major.
- Social Skills: Children from a wide variety of backgrounds come together in the
common purpose of making good music. Not only do children benefit from meeting new friends, they learn from the fact that these new friends may come from a different set of circumstances than them, with differing skills, and interests.
- Opportunity: Most bands travel to varying degrees. The Lions Band offers additional opportunity to travel to new and different places, to participate in different events, and to meet new people. Younger members, particularly, benefit from the added opportunity to travel, as they may not yet be eligible for the school band program, or if they are, travel opportunities for elementary band students are more restrictive.
- Musicianship: the program encourages students to start at an earlier age than
they might have with the school band program. Lions Band members who start in grade 4 show a higher level of musical maturity and competence than their schoolmates who did not have this opportunity. We believe that this stands them in good stead throughout their adult lives, whether they continue to play seriously, or whether they play for the fun of it.
MARCHING
Marching is an important part of the Lions Band program. Students learn skills to take part in various parades such as Grey Cup and stand up shows at civic and charitable events, and competitions. There is also the Field Show. This is a choreographed show the students do on a football field during competition or half time performance.
Programs include uniform, music, camp and clinics
*Monthly fees need to be paid by cash/post dated checks or by fundraisers (not from bingo). Visa and Mastercard are now available for those wanting their reward points. Fees are due on the first of each month. Tour and trip money can be raised thru bingos/cash and fundraisers that are set up to help obtain your goals. Special arrangements can be made thru the administrator and treasurer.
Fundraising- Operating a band such as this is expensive. We run over a $100,000 budget! Facilities, music, costumes, uniforms, clinics, instruction, administrative costs etc are high. Students are expected to follow thru with their commitments for fees, bingos, and travel money. Various fundraisers are set up based on a credit system. These credits go into student's personal fund for trips and fees. Fundraisers and bingos are offered throughout the year to help families achieve success. There are a few fundraisers each year like BBQ.s and SIR Parking that do go directly to the band to assist with the cost of clinic lunches, camp and entertainment for tour. Your assistance on these band fundraisers would be greatly appreciated.
| Saskatchewan Lions Marching Band (Colourguard & Drumline) | Sundays 1-4pm (May & June 1-5) & a clinic monthly (Sat & Sun)
Fees: $30/month/10 monthly payments & 5 compulsory bingos worked by June & Tour cost (USA TOUR $700)-by fundraisers, bingo or cash. Tour June 28-July 14. One year playing ability on instrument required.
Starts September 9. Includes band camp at Camp Easter Seal September 21, 22, 23.
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| Beginner Band - Tuesday 6-7pm. | Fees: $20/10 payments & 2 commitment bingos |
| Concert Band/2nd instruments - | (if numbers permit) Thursdays 7:00-8pm. Fees $20/month / 10 months & 3 bingos.
Some minimum travel would involve $50-$75 fee to be fundraised or paid. Students in showband only add 2 bingos. Requires at least one year playing experience. Starts September 13 |
| Jazz Band | Sunday 4:00-5:00Fee: $10/month. 3 rehersals per month. (Showband/Concert students - add 1 bingo instead of fees. Some minimum travel (festival) may involve a $50-$75 fee to be fundraised or paid) Requires 1 year playing ability. Starts September 9 |
Festivals- Participation in music festivals make an important contribution to the band member's musical development. We encourage participation, not only of the Band itself, but also of the Band members in individual competition.
Instruments: Studentss are responsible to provide their own instruments. The Band does have some instruments to rent at $75.00 per year. Some sponsorships available. The Band provides specialized marching instruments such as marching bells, drums, etc.
Saskatoon Lions Band 238 Avenue V North
Remember - call 683-0888 for information on rehersals, trip arrivals-press 2 after it answers. Please call when you cannot attend rehearsal, but remember that a strong commitment makes a strong winning team!
683-0888 Please leave a message.