“Students, congratulations on being here today! Congratulations, as well, to your parents, grandparents, and guardians – this is a wonderful moment to celebrate the accomplishments of your children. Today is a great way to cap off Catholic Schools Week by celebrating the arts. This music festival has a long history, spanning 50 years. I was reflecting on that fact and realized that in 1975, when this festival began, I was a freshman in Notre Dame High School.”
With these words, Bishop Schlert opened the Allentown Diocesan Music Festival on Feb. 1 with a magnificent concert at Berks Catholic High School, Reading.
Students and music directors from the six diocesan high schools – Allentown Central Catholic; Berks Catholic; Bethlehem Catholic; Marian Catholic, Tamaqua; Nativity BVM, Pottsville; and Notre Dame, Easton – came together for this special occasion, showcasing their musical talents through choral and band performances.
“It is my honor to welcome you,” said Father Matthew Kuna, Chaplain of Berks Catholic, “as our school is truly blessed to host this year’s Diocesan Music Festival – the 50th anniversary of this wonderful celebration.”
He also welcomed Bishop Schlert; Dr. Michael St. Pierre, Superintendent for Catholic Education; members of the Diocese’s leadership, both past and present; school principals and administrators; dedicated clergy; music educators; and “the talented students from across our Diocese who have prepared so diligently for today’s festival.”
Dr. St. Pierre emphasized the spiritual significance of the arts in Catholic schools. “We celebrate the arts because they give us a window into the very life of God,” he said. “The true, the good, and the beautiful are often presented to us through artistic expression, offering glimpses into God’s goodness and His care for humanity. When we create art, we are participating in God’s own creative nature.”
Bishop Schlert led the festival participants in prayer before the concert began.
The Diocesan Concert Band performed a set of instrumental pieces, featuring a mix of classical, contemporary, and celebratory compositions. These compositions were directed by the high school concert band directors: Micheal Brimmer, Amy Flyte, Pamela DePietro, Christopher Klump, Derek Sager, and Bryan Scollick.
Directed by the school music educators – Kate Bobb, Michael Brimmer, and Sister Mathilde DeLucy – the Diocesan Concert Choir presented a selection of beautifully arranged choral pieces.
Bobb, choral and music director of Berks Catholic, introduced the student musicians and the significance of their performance: “This celebration of music brings together talented young musicians from across our Diocese’s high schools, showcasing their dedication, artistry, and passion for music. Today’s festival is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, music directors, and administrators. Through weeks of preparation, rehearsals, and collaboration, these performers have refined their skills to create an unforgettable musical experience.”
Bobb also highlighted two special premieres. “Come, Let Us Sing,” an original work composed in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Allentown Diocesan Music Festival by Beverly McDevitt, graduate of the former Holy Name High School, and Director of Music at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown; and “Fanfare and Celebration,” a new composition by Scollick, Instrumental Director at Berks Catholic.
“I’d like to take a moment to speak directly to the parents and express my sincere gratitude, saidDr. St. Pierre in final remarks.
“As a father, I understand the deep desire for our children to find a community in which they can grow, thrive, and be nurtured. This is one of the unique gifts of Catholic education – we provide our students with an authentic faith community, strong friendships, and opportunities to flourish.
“A good community not only strengthens individuals, but also inspires them to serve the world beyond themselves, not in a self-centered way, but in a God-centered way that considers and cares for others.”
Article and Photo by Waldo Alvarado.
