Woodwind Ensembles Collaborate for Benefit Concert

On 19 October 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nazareth (PA), New Bethany Ministries held their 10th annual “Concert for the Poor,” a benefit event for the organization which serves the poor, the homeless and the mentally challenged in the Lehigh Valley. A delightful program of both choral and instrumental music, the concert provided a relaxing respite from the everyday hustle and bustle while engendering support for needy families in the Lehigh Valley. Along with youth and adult choirs of local Nazareth area churches, two Local 45 ensembles participated in collaborative presentation of works by Mozart, Purcell, Mendelssohn and Stamitz. Scott Brodt and his clarinet choir Sei Venti joined Karen El-Chaar and the Flutations flute choir, with Ralph Brodt III conducting.  

As musicians, music teachers or parent of a music student, we often state that playing an instrument is a gift - most certainly, a gift to be shared with others. In this case…a gift to be shared “for” others.

Marine Band of Allentown Rekindles “Flower Power”

Remember Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh-In?” How about Dick Clark and “American Bandstand?” Perhaps Ed Sullivan, Woodstock and a little closer to home…Sunday afternoons at Lehigh Parkway? Well, the musicians of the Marine Band of Allentown “socked it to us” with a great entertaining concert in full psychedelic 60s/70s “uniforms.” A Godspell Medley, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sounds of Sonny and Cher, Chicago and even The Doors in Concert were just a few of the hits performed at the concert. Stay tuned for next year! 

Tom Heinick, conductor (wow!)



Laurie & Kent Ruch








Cindy Ditzel Geho



Tom Heinick & Ronda Gerry




Elaine Schaeffer, Camille Vernarr & Jean Rohal




Russ Braun and Gary Bast (aka a "Blues Brother")

Allentown Celebrates the 100^th Anniversary of West Park

 

                   

The legacy of General Harry C. Trexler lives on. In 1906 he had a dream of turning a vacant lot into a beautiful park for the people of Allentown. Two years later on 17 September 1908 that dream became a reality when West Park had its grand opening. A beautiful bandshell, an iron fountain, fantastic landscaping and traditional band concerts can still be seen and heard today at this beautiful park. Intended as a passive gathering place, a peaceful and tranquil respite from the hectic lives we lead, thousands of people gathered to celebrate its 100^th anniversary. On a perfect September afternoon, the Allentown Band regaled the audience with a traditional concert which included many of the same selections performed at the very first band concert at the West Park. One hundred years and the legacy continues…

 

A sunny Sunday afternoon at West Park

 

The Gran Finale

 

Conductor Ron Demkee and the Allentown Band

Booking Service

The Lehigh Valley Musicians' Association is committed to furthering live music in our area. We are actively seeking partnerships with corporate citizens, local and state governments, non-profit organizations, schools, churches and other unions/associations to ensure that live music remains a vital part of our community.

If your organization wishes to partner with Local 45 please contact us at local45@afm.org.

Need musicians for your special event? A wedding, reception, concert in the park...we have what you're looking for!

Click here to download the inquiry form. Complete the form and either e-mail to: ammarsteller@gmail.com  or mail to: Lehigh Valley Musicians' Association, 519 E. Paoli St., Allentown, PA  18103