“Founded in 1889, the Pioneer Band of Allentown kicks off its 2025 concert series with a very special concert,” says Pioneer Band of Allentown Conductor Robert Billig, Jr.

“Seven of our members celebrate 50 or more years of active membership and continuous performance in the band.

“And to recognize them for their dedication, they chose their favorite music selections for this concert,” Billig says.

The seven musicians, instruments, years of service and concert selections are: John Racek, clarinet, 59 years, “Also Sprach Zarathustra”; Wayne Nottle, baritone saxophone, 59 years, “Colonel Bogey March”; Randy Kohler, alto-baritone saxophone, 54 years, “Minuteman March”; Mary Ann Amole, baritone, 53 years, “Second Suite in F for Military Band”; Matthew Cascioli, trumpet, 53 years, “March Grandioso”; Linda Campbell, clarinet, 52 years, “Where Eagles Soar,” and Dale Campbell, bass clarinet, 50 years, “Hallelujah.”

Says Linda Campbell, “Two friends urged me to join the Pioneer Band because clarinet players were needed and I am honored and proud to be a member of the band.

“I chose ‘Where Eagles Soar’ not only because it highlights the clarinet section, but in my 20 years of helping band raptors as they migrate over Blue Mountain I’ve seen the majesty of an eagle gliding in the sky and I can identify with that feeling of grandeur relayed in the music,” Campbell says.

Additional concert selections include: “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorites;” “Finlandia;” A Bon-a-fide Beguine;” “Selections from Pirates of the Caribbean;” “Songs of Joy;” “God of Our Fathers” and “God Bless America.”

“Concert in the Park,” Pioneer Band of Allentown, 7:30 p.m. June 1, West Park, 16th and Linden streets, Allentown; Rain location: Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm St., Allentown. Free. Information: https://www.pioneerband.com/

“In 2013, I had a vision of bringing a world-class festival of chamber music to the Lehigh Valley,” says Timothy Schwarz, Techne Music Artistic Director.

“Techne Music is pleased to continue the Donald Spieth Memorial Award, named after the conductor and Techne Board member who passed away in 2023,” Schwarz says.

The “Techne Music Festival Concert” is 7 p.m. June 12, Moravian University, Peter Hall, Bethlehem.

The concert is the culmination of a five-day chamber music program for advanced string players whereby students attend classes and lectures.

Students are assigned to ensembles, provided music selections for study and present a concert.

This year’s concert includes works by Antonin Dvorak, Germaine Tailleferre, Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms.

The Donald Spieth Memorial Award will be awarded to one student ensemble, which will perform two concerts: Oct. 4, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, and Oct. 5, MacDowell Series, Denville, N.J.

This year’s students are from the University of Delaware, University of Oregon, Lynn Conservatory of Music, Mannes School of Music, Rowan University, University of North Texas and Temple University.

Faculty and guest faculty include: Alan Stepansky, Cello Faculty, Peabody Conservatory of Music; Todd Philips, Violin Faculty, Manhattan School of Music and formerly, Orion String Quartet; Timothy Schwarz, Violin Faculty, London College of Music and Rowan University; Sheila Browne, Viola Faculty, Lynn Conservatory of Music, and Lawrence Stomberg, Cello Faculty, University of Delaware.

“With so much change and uncertainty in the world, music takes on an ever-greater importance in the role of humanity,” says Schwarz. “And seeing these students come together to create something so beautiful gives me hope for our future.”

“Techne Music Festival Concert,” 7 p.m. June 12, Moravian University, Peter Hall, 342 Main St., Bethlehem; Free. Tickets not required. Information: http://www.technemusic.org/schedule.php

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus Editor, pwillistein@tnon-line.com