2025 Kansas Lions Band Camp Information
KS Lions Band Camp – Friends University, May 27 – 31, 2025
Band Directors and Students,
We are so very excited to share information regarding this upcoming camp, which will be hosted at Friends University, in Wichita, Kansas! Dr. Shawn Knopp and his musical staff are elated to share in a musically rewarding camp for each and all. During the week, the students will participate in sectionals, chamber ensembles, and a very well-staffed concert band! This camp proudly showcases the efforts of musicians across the state, from a myriad of schools, and playing abilities. Every student that applies is accepted, regardless of their years of experience or playing ability.
There is a place for everyone at our camp and we focus on cultivating a positive environment where students will cultivate meaningful friendships through music. Every attending student will audition for concert chair placement, and those seeking participation in the jazz band will audition separately for an invitation into the ensemble.
Families, community members, and statewide Lions Members are encouraged to attend two performances. The Friday evening will feature performances by each section, followed by the famed KS Lions Jazz Band! Saturday’s performance will be hosted at the Garvey Physical Education Center on campus, where we will feature the entire KS Lions Band Camp in a concert setting! In previous years, this performance has exceeded more than 175 student musicians. This will no doubt be a performance to remember!
As always, our students that participated in the State Band at Baker University are our best advertisement to get fellow classmates interested in participating next summer. Should you have these students in your band, please ask them to share their experiences with the class! Your help is absolutely imperative to our success. Interested students should contact their local Lions Club to help cover the financial cost.
The Kansas Lions Band Camp is the most cost-effective camp across our state! $250 covers the entire camp experience, but for students seeking financial assistance, your local Lions Club is a phenomenal starting place. In many situations, these gracious clubs are often willing to help cover/offset the camp fees. In recent years, 98% of the students that participated this year were sponsored financially by various Kansas Lions Clubs or Lions members.
Please visit our website at https://kansaslions.org/kansas-lions-band! (QR Code found below) We are consistently working on updates, so stay tuned for the necessary applications and other documentation. I am happy to help as necessary so if you have any questions, please reach out to me at gwhismanklb@gmail.com.
Respectfully, Galen Whisman Kansas Lions Band - Chair
Shawnee Mission North - Band Director
gwhismanklb@gmail.com
(785)737-3183
