Published September 25. 2026 09:03AM
The sounds of patriotic marches, Broadway favorites and American classics filled Jordan Lutheran Church Sept. 13 as the Macungie Band welcomed supporters to its annual Barbecue and Beats fundraiser.
Held at the Orefield church, the evening combined a barbecue dinner, homemade baked goods and a two-hour concert celebrating American music. Under the direction of Michael Moran, the band performed “A Celebration of American Music,” featuring guest artists Alec Rubery, Emily Hill and Ryan Hill.
Guests enjoyed a barbecue meal with all the traditional fixings before settling in for an evening of music. The concert opened with Bill Moffit’s arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and featured a variety of selections highlighting American composers and musical traditions.
Among the featured performers was trumpeter Alec Rubery, a 2023 Freedom High School graduate who is now a senior at Kutztown University studying commercial music. Rubery joined the band for two solo selections, showcasing his talent before an appreciative audience.
Vocalist Emily Hill, also a Freedom High School graduate, was featured on “But Not for Me” by George and Ira Gershwin, arranged by Warren Barker. Hill teaches music at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem, sings with the Bach Choir and is pursuing a master’s degree in music education at Kutztown University.
Pianist Ryan Hill of Easton performed George Gershwin’s beloved “Rhapsody in Blue,” one of the evening’s highlights. Hill teaches music production at Liberty High School in Bethlehem and is also working toward a master’s degree in music education at Kutztown University.
Following intermission, the band performed Anthony Susi’s “First Responders March” before continuing the patriotic and American-themed program. The concert concluded with John Philip Sousa’s enduring classic, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Programs for the event were provided by Kathy Harris Custom Frame Shop.
Barbecue and Beats began more than five years ago and has grown into one of the band’s most important annual fundraisers. The event was organized by Tim Lichtenwalner, who plays tuba with the Macungie Band.
The Macungie Band’s performance season will continue Oct. 10 at Luther Crest in Allentown. both in Allentown.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LISA DRAPERThe Macungie Band performs “A Celebration of American Music” at its Barbecue and Beats annual fundraiser at Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, Sept. 13.
Alec Rubery performs on the trumpet with the Macungie Band under the direction of Michael Moran.
East Hills music teacher and Bach Choir member Emily Hill of Bethlehem performs “But Not For Me” by George and Ira Gershwin with arrangement by Warren Barker.
Press photos by Lisa DraperPianist Ryan Hill of Easton, who teaches music production at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, performs with the Macungie Band.
Micah Bickel and Karen Lichtenwalner join the Geiger Family of volunteers (Adam, Evan, Erin, Joel and Eli) serving up the barbecue and sides.