top of page

About Us

Lions of Michigan All-State Band

The Lions of Michigan All-State Band serves the world through music.

Our group is predominately comprised of high school musicians, from a wide variety of Michigan school districts and backgrounds, who have united for a common cause; to share music with those who need to hear it most.

Lions of Michigan All-State Band_Band History_Full Band.jpg
Lions of Michigan All State Band_Marching Formation.jpg
Lions of Michigan All State Band_Lions Banner.jpg
Band History

History of Lions Band

In 1978, the Lions of Michigan All-State Band was formed as a musical ensemble to accompany the incoming Lions International President, Ralph A. Lynam, who happened to be from St. John's, Michigan. Since its inception, the band has attended and performed at the annual Lions Clubs International convention each year by marching in the Lions International Parade, with more than 10,000 delegates in attendance.

​

Students from over 300 Michigan high schools and communities have participated in the band since it took its first marching high-steps, and now averages 45-75 students each year. The number of students is on the rise, and the band has now set its sights on achieving a goal of more than 150 high school student musicians in uniform.

​

As the band continues to grow, so does its commitment to serving communities throughout the state of Michigan, and the world, through the gift of music.

Lions of Michigan All-State Band performs in red and blue uniforms for a public audiance in downtown Chicago
Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS

What is it like being in Lions Band?

Spotlight Videos
Marching Band, Relationships, and The Impact of Music | Kelsey Heck Wood | Spotlight Video (2022)

Marching Band, Relationships, and The Impact of Music | Kelsey Heck Wood | Spotlight Video (2022)

03:03
Serving The World Through Music Impacted My Life | Christine Varley | Spotlight Video (2022)

Serving The World Through Music Impacted My Life | Christine Varley | Spotlight Video (2022)

02:49
A Marching Band That Helps You Grow | Shanna Duellman | Lions of Michigan All-State Band (2023)

A Marching Band That Helps You Grow | Shanna Duellman | Lions of Michigan All-State Band (2023)

02:50
Band Goals

Our Goals

We provide all of our student musicians with experience in 4 major categories.

These categories reflect our focus and values as a service organization.

Lions Band members stand in parade formation as they perform in Italy.

Musical

Performance

The highest quality music education to contribute to long-term musical growth and return our students to their high school bands with strong performance experience.

Female member of Lions Band walks hand-in-trunk with a baby elephant

Travel &

Education

Adventure across the world to develop a better social and cultural understanding, and increase each student’s appreciation of the vast, diverse world they live in.

Two Lions Band members, in blue marching uniforms, talk to each other before a performance

Sociological

Growth

Develop stronger social skills by interacting with fellow band members from varying backgrounds and form life-long friendships.

A male member of the Lions Band shakes hands with a U.S. veteran after a performance

"We Serve"

The Lions' Motto

Experience the personal satisfaction of providing joy to those in need by performing music and upholding the Lions’ Club motto, “We Serve.”

How To Join
Member of the Lions of Michigan All State Band, dressed in blue and yellow uniforms, stand in parade formation

How can i join Lions Band?

The Lions of Michigan All-State Band is currently accepting applications for their upcoming 2025 tour to Orlando, Florida for the 107th annual Lions Clubs International Convention.

 

If you're a passionate, hard-working high school musician eager to embark on a Lions Band adventure, simply fill out the application below and submit a video audition to us using the required audition materials.

Lions of Michigan All State Band_Elephants.jpg
Band Staff

Marching Band Staff

Director of Bands - Jason Russell - Lions of Michigan All-State Band

Jason Russell

Director of Bands

Assistant Director - Christy Dodge - Lions of Michigan All-State Band

Christy Dodge

Assistant Director

Assistant Director - Jessica Gardner - Lions of Michigan All-State Band

Jessica Gardner

Assistant Director

Nicole Higgs - Guard instructor for the Lions of Michigan All-State Band

Nicole Higgs

Guard Instructor

Lions of Michigan All State Band_FAQs.jpg
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Contact

P.O. Box 22

Belmont MI 49306

​​

Tel: (616) 723-1178

​

allstatebandmi@gmail.com

  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

© 2026 by Lions of Michigan

All-State Band

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page