Allentown Redbirds soar at White House gig

Members of the Allentown Redbird Band are still recovering from one of their highest honors, performing at the White House last week. "We’ve had some phenomenal experiences, but never at the White House. This is the No. 1 event in my life." Allentown Band Director Peter Mauro said of the trip to the White House.

Mauro joined 14 members of the band on a charter bus to the nation’s capital. The invitation itself was a tremendous honor to Mauro and the band which has garnered many awards during their performances in parades in New York City, Trenton and Philadelphia over the last few years. This event proved unique with the students performing two sets of holiday music in the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C. "The East Room is the official showcase of the White house Christmas Tree. It was a great, great honor," Mauor recently said noting it being a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him and his students. Mauro selected 13 musicians representing one of the original colonies, the 14^th member was Stravinsky who served with him as conductor. The band was invited to the White House following the Columbus Day Parade in New York City. A White House representative spotted their performance. Mauro also sent CDs, phots and a full history of the band’s past awards to Washington.

The band played for about two hours and refreshments were served. The extra security procedures made the band members feel more important but stage fright did not intervene.