About The Oldest Musical Group In America
The group is best known for opening performances of two popular annual events in Bethlehem, PA
The Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir, established in 1754, is older than the United States itself making it the oldest musical group in America.
The Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir is defined as the oldest musical organization of its kind in the nation from the point of continuous uninterrupted service by the U.S. National Park Service. It is described as the oldest musical group in America by both the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lehigh Economic Development organizations.
Although musicians were in the earliest wave of migrants settling Bethlehem in 1741, the first complete set of instruments did not arrive until 1754. This development provided for the debut of a choir of trombones on Aug.13, 1754.
In 18th-century Moravian settlements, the trombone choir, playing from the church tower or from in front of the entrance, served to call the congregation to worship. The musical group also served as the congregation’s “portable” ensemble for accompanying outdoor services.
These services included burial services and the Easter sunrise service which were traditionally held in the graveyard adjacent to the church. The musical group was even invited to perform at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
In 1969, Cathy Meckstroth was the first woman to join the choir, playing soprano trombone. The Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir lays claim to being the oldest musical organization in the United States.
Today, the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir is best known for opening performances of two popular annual events in Bethlehem. The Musikfest is a music festival that has been held annually since 1984. The other, Children’s Lovefeast, is held annually on Christmas Eve.
The Moravian Trombone Choir is a tradition of the Moravian Church, dating back to 1733, when the first set of trombones arrived in Herrnhut, Germany. Playing for memorial and worship services throughout the year at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, PA, the musical group is comprised of Lehigh Valley trombonists.
The Moravian Trombone Choir typically consists of ten to twelve players, who play a variety of trombones, including alto, tenor, and bass. The ensemble may also include other brass instruments such as trumpets, horns, and tubas, as well as percussion instruments.
Today, the Moravian Trombone Choir continues to be an important part of the musical and cultural heritage of the Moravian Church in the United States, and its unique sound and tradition are treasured by music lovers and churchgoers alike.
