Many were reminded of the power of music this past weekend during the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new Angelo Scarselletti Amphitheater at Victory Park in Slatington.

Although plans for this project with the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority have been in the works since 2015, they were finally approved in January of this year by the Slatington Borough Council. Construction for the project took place in May and concluded earlier this month.

Scarselletti was an inspiration for many in the town of Slatington, serving as a well-known musician and educator in the area. He was the first to work as a full-time instrumental teacher in the Slatington School District, now Northern Lehigh. Scarselletti was also one of the original organizers of the Lehigh County High School Band Master Association started in 1958 which still performs annually to this day.

Outside of the school district, Scarselletti conducted a musical group in the U.S. Navy, the Lehighton Men’s Band and the Allentown Bethlehem Men’s Barbershop Chorus as well. He also performed with his own four-part combo, “Ali Baba and His Four Tea Thieves Minus One” for 35 years.

Aside from musical endeavors, Scarselletti also played a major role within the Slatington community. He was involved with the Slatington Lions Club and District 14K of the Lions Club, even holding positions such as district governor. Scarselletti was also active in his church, the Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church in which he served as a lector, president of the Holy Name Society and choir director.

He died in 2010 at the age of 90, but his legacy will now remain in Slatington Victory Park for the future generations of performers to come.

To begin the dedication, Boy Scout Troop 66 conducted a posting of the colors. One of the Boy Scouts, Cameron Kuntz, then performed the national anthem on the amphitheater stage with his electric guitar, a testament to the importance of music for the future generations to follow Scarselletti.

Many guest speakers and supporters praised the amphitheater and the efforts it took to ensure that the project came to fruition.

Speakers included Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority’s executive director Lindsay Taylor, Ellen Kern on behalf of Sen. Pat Browne, Trisha Schifferle on behalf of state Rep. Zachary Mako, County Executive Phil Armstrong, County Commissioner Marc Grammes, Mayor Walter Niedermeyer and Cindy Green and Amanda Trelease of Slatington 150th & Beyond.

Scarselletti’s children Angela Scarselletti-Shafer, Anthony Scarselletti, Annamarie Scarselletti and Theresa Scarselletti-Lobach all took turns speaking about their father during the ceremony.

Although mentioning his strictness at times, the family described their father as a great leader, noting his true dedication for the community and his many accomplishments throughout his lifetime.

Scarselletti-Lobach expressed gratitude to the community members for their decision to dedicate the amphitheater in honor of her father.

“We hope that this brings joy to the Northern Lehigh area with many cultural events to come. We are truly thankful and blessed that this community chose to dedicate this structure to him. Thank you, to all of you. We really do appreciate it and we are honored.”

Past students of Scarselletti, Mike Peters and Ron Scheffler, also spoke about the impact that Scarselletti had on them as young musicians as well as the individuals that they are today.

Peters fondly described the first time he heard Scarselletti play the trumpet, noting it to be a defining moment in his musical career.

“He put the horn up to his lips and filled that room with such a beautiful sound and I believe that was the first time that I actually felt music flow through my veins. Because of that, music still plays a huge part in my life thanks to Mr. Angelo Scarselletti.”

Following the ribbon cutting, music filled the park as local talents took the main stage. Musical guests included Scarselletti’s past student Mike Peters and his son Dylan Peters as well as the Steel Creek Band.

The dedication of the new amphitheater also coincided with the 100th anniversary of Victory Park and Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority’s third annual food truck festival.

There was a large variety of food trucks for everyone including Worldly Q, Grumpy’s BBQ, Bagel Bus and Greek Street. Beverages included selections from McCall Collective Brewery, Blue Mountain Vineyards and Xplorer Spirits. For dessert, people could visit Kona Ice, Sweet Scoops and Josie’s Fancy Funnels.

One attendee was a local resident and a past student of Scarselletti named Elaine Meleski who had attended the event with a friend from her neighborhood.

Meleski praised the new amphitheater as well as the event as a whole.

“I think it is beautiful and much needed. I’m so proud to see the abundance of people that showed up. What a beautiful day and what a tribute to Mr. Scarselletti.”