Members of the 2017 Lehigh County Band performed a concert at Salisbury High School Feb. 4. The concert was presented by the Lehigh County Bandmasters Association.

There are 11 schools in the Lehigh County Band: Whitehall High School, Catasauqua High School, Allentown Central Catholic High School, Emmaus High School, Louis E. Dieruff High School, Northern Lehigh High School, Northwestern Lehigh High School, Parkland High School, Salisbury High School, Southern Lehigh High School and William Allen High School. Emmaus High School did not participate this year in the concert.

The program opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner” directed by Salisbury Township Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss.

Ziegenfuss, a former music educator, said since his youngest days, music has always held a special place in his heart and for the students on the stage.

“This is largely due to the support of families, our music directors and other educators who daily have a profound impact on the lives of the children in their care,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who supports the arts, particularly music, in our public schools. Music provides opportunities for our students to fully experience humanity.”

“Montana” was directed by Matthew Tanzos, Whitehall High School.

“Zest” was directed by Robert Arnold, Catasauqua High School.

“Crown Imperial” was directed by Aaron Hetrick, Allentown Central Catholic High School.

“I am The Doctor” was directed by Frank DiSimoni, Louis E. Dieruff High School.

“The Addison Red Line” was directed by David Carroll, Northern Lehigh High School.

“Gallant Marines” was directed by Jason Lerew, Parkland High School.

“He’s Gone Away” was directed by Rachel Reinecke, Salisbury High School.

“American Folk Rhapsody No. 2” was directed by Larry Fisher, Southern Lehigh High School.

“With Every Sunrise” was directed by Eric Moser, William Allen High School.

Host Director Reinecke is a former member of Lehigh County Band.

“I can remember the excitement of getting to make music with students from other schools in the area. As a director, it thrills me to see so many talented musicians still share the passion for music and recognize the importance of the opportunity to perform with people in their extended community,” Reinecke said.

Reinecke said the Lehigh County Band has been around for 59 years.

“The festival exists to provide students with a festival experience, playing with students from other districts, other directors and hopefully music they may not get to play in their own school district. The festival provides the students with the chance to experience music as part of a larger community than what they are usually a part of,” Reinecke said.

Reinecke said students are chosen by their directors.

“The directors meet to build the membership of the band. They nominate students for membership based on playing ability, leadership and dedication to their own program. We work to balance the different instrument parts as best as we can and usually achieve a balanced ensemble,” Reinecke said.

“Students traditionally receive their music at the first Saturday rehearsal. There are two 4-hour Saturday rehearsals, a Thursday full-day rehearsal and a short rehearsal the day of the concert. Students take the music home to practice in between rehearsals. The directors help the students, as needed, to prepare for the festival.”

Students participating from Whitehall included Elaine Ramirez and Abby Moyer, flute; Hayley Fenstermaker and Sara Krempasky, clarinet 1; Leslie Abreu, clarinet 2; Kaitlyn Jacob, cornet 1; Jessica Kroboth, French horn 1; Sabrina Haller, French horn 2; and Dan Lindenmuth, percussion.

“It has been a thrill to host this year and bring the talent of all these fine musicians to the stage here at Salisbury High School,” Reinecke said. “Their behavior has been exemplary, and each school should be proud of the manner in which they have been represented.”