Bang the Lion's Interview
LOS: Sorry to disturb your beauty rest but I know you've just finished the first Lolli-PopsT concert, The Orchestra - A Happy Family, of this year's Little Orchestra Society's 2005-2006 season. As I watched you during the performance you looked like you were having such a fine time that I was wondering if you do this full time?
BANG: Do I do what full time? This isn't a job. Percussion is my life!
LOS: What was your favorite part of The Orchestra - A Happy Family?
BANG: I always love seeing the smiling faces on all the kids when they conduct the Orchestra all by themselves! They are so talented and I have fun when they have fun. Oh, and I almost forgot...my other favorite part was when I had the chance to introduce and dance with my family, the percussion family, and all of its instruments. Sometimes I forget how good we all sound together.
LOS: Does it take you away from any other activities?
BANG: Well, I have to admit that I do enjoy the occasional cat nap. And let's not forget about how much I enjoy cooking, but we'll get to my "Percussion Kitchen" some other day.
LOS: Have you always represented the percussion family?
BANG: Most people don't know this but, I come from a long line of Lions who love to keep the beat! My Father, Rat-a-Tat-Cat, taught me everything I know.
LOS: Do you have any idea why Maestro chose you to represent the percussion family?
BANG: I guess because I like to strike, scrape, and shake so many things to make sounds. At first I wanted to be the conductor of the Orchestra and lead everyone. Toot the bird said that I was being silly and that if anyone was to lead the orchestra it was to be her. But Maestro said he had even bigger plans for us.
LOS: Why do you think you represent this family better than any of the other characters?
BANG: I think it's because I love to make a lot of noise. And that's the best part about the percussion family-when we want to be noticed, we get noticed!
LOS: Is that really you on the LOS video of The Orchestra - A Happy Family or did they use a more famous lion, like that MGM fellow? Or the guy in the Wizard of Oz?
BANG: Is there a more famous lion than me? I don't think so. That Wizard of Oz lion is too much of a scaredy-cat to love the big bass drum or the timpani. And that MGM Lion doesn't even have a name! He may roar, but can he tap dance?! I really don't think so.
LOS: What was it like to make a video?
BANG: It was such a blast that I can't wait to do more! If kids tell all of their friends about us, then maybe we can give them even more fun concerts to watch on video! How great would that be to have all of the four families of the orchestra in your own living room! Then I'd truly be a star!
LOS: Did they let you take cat naps or give you special treats during the filming?
BANG: To be honest, anytime I get around my drums I get so excited that I never feel like napping. And that is treat enough for me. (However, I do like candy, especially lolli-pops. And there was a lot!)
LOS: What do you like to do when you are not doing Lolli-Pops?
BANG: When I'm not making music, I like to listen to music. I go to concerts, go to my library to checkout CD's, or just listen to the radio. Music is everywhere and I love listening for the four different families in every piece of music I hear.
LOS: Is it true you have a major part in the upcoming Things That Go Bang?
BANG: Actually, Things That Go Bang is all about me...well, me and the percussion family of course! It is the show where all the kids get to learn about all of the percussion instruments of the Orchestra while visiting me and my friend Buzz the bee. And as an extra treat, we plan on cooking up some sweet goodies in my kitchen too. Whoa, I can't wait.
LOS: What's your favorite part of being a stage lion?
BANG: The best part is the spotlight!
