The history of the Hausach town band….
…told in broad strokes….
The chronicle at a glance
The year 1818 was a memorable one: Karl Marx was born, the monarchs of Europe united at the Congress of Aachen against revolutionary-democratic movements, and the Grand Duchy of Baden received a liberal constitution and transformed into a constitutional monarchy. Despite these contradictory tendencies on a larger scale, a group of men demonstrated unity and determination on a small scale: they founded a brass band in Hausach.
Teacher Knupfer, the first conductor and arguably also the founder of the now-famous "Town Music," must have been a shrewd man. Not only did he manage to secure 15 guilders per musician from the city treasury to establish the band, but he also managed to establish the Town Music from the very beginning as a city institution, supported from the municipal coffers. This included the procurement and maintenance of the instruments, the payment of the conductor, and even an expense allowance for the musicians. This agreement formed the foundation upon which the Town Music was able to grow and flourish in its early stages. It is documented up to the middle of the 19th century. Then, in 1858, the Town Music received association statutes that regulated the relationship between the city and the band in writing. According to these statutes, the city continued to cover the costs of instruments and conductor, but otherwise the musicians were left to their own devices. Not entirely: the city provided the band with its own rehearsal room. For decades, rehearsals and gatherings took place at the conductor's home or at one of the musicians' homes. It goes without saying that this was not only a place for rehearsals, but also a place for socializing and camaraderie. This camaraderie and conviviality are particularly strong in the association under the leadership of Georg Schmider. He guided the association's fortunes for an incredible four decades.
Many influential conductor personalities
The history of the Hausach Town Band has featured many influential conductors. In addition to the first conductor, Teacher Knupfer, and Georg Schmider – also known as Schmidjörg – who each led the band for nearly 40 years, senior teacher Schwarzhans, who joined the band in 1908, deserves special mention. He adapted the organization to changing times, ensured contemporary instrumentation for the Town and Fire Brigade Band, which had borne this name since the founding of the fire brigade, and raised the musical standard. The Town Band experienced further growth under the direction of Otto Hörsch. The biggest event in the band's history to date also took place under his direction: its 110th anniversary. After the 100th anniversary could not be celebrated due to World War I, the Hausach residents celebrated it all the more fittingly with numerous guest bands and visitors. The Second World War brought club life to a standstill and left large gaps in the ranks of musicians. Without the support of choirmaster Weiß, parish priest Würth, and senior teacher Schwarzhans, who once again took up the baton to conduct the Hausach musicians during this difficult time, it would not have been possible to ensure the band's continued existence. However, the rigorous reconstruction was managed by someone else. In 1947, Nikolaus Nehlig returned from captivity and once again took over the musical direction and training of the musicians. And by the early 1950s, the band was once again playing at the senior level.
The purchase of the first uniform in 1950, the founding of the youth band in 1963, the 150th anniversary celebrations in 1968, the 175th anniversary celebrations in 1993, and the awarding of the Pro Musica plaque in 1970 are milestones in the club's further history.
The year 1973 also marked a turning point: after more than 45 years, Nikolaus Nehlig retired as conductor. The outstanding results in competitions attest to the musical growth and quality the city band had achieved during his tenure and beyond. In the 1980s, the band achieved several first places, including honors, in the senior division. The year 1987 also marked a milestone: for the first time, women and girls were allowed to play in the band.
For the history of the Hausach Wind Orchestra, please also read the following online articles:
The chronicle by years
1818
Baden receives the first constitution on German soil and becomes a constitutional monarchy. In this memorable year, a lively group gathers to delight the city's citizens with their music.
The first conductor and arguably also the founder of the now well-known "Stadtmusik" (city music) was teacher Knupfer, who received 15 guilders (fl.) from the city treasury for all musicians. These documented payments extend into the 1870s.
1847
The city band receives a club banner bearing the Baden colors yellow/red, a laurel wreath with the city coat of arms, and the musical symbol - a sheet of music with crossed clarinets.
Since the band was a municipal institution from the beginning, it was also supported from the municipal coffers. This included the conductor's salary, a small allowance for the musicians, and the procurement and maintenance of the instruments. Of course, the city also occasionally had to bear certain expenses for repairs and some painful losses, such as the unexplained disappearance of the club's banner and the Schellenbaum (a bell tree) acquired during the same period, which was never fully explained.
around 1855
Conductor Brüstle, called "Harzweber," replaces the band's first conductor, teacher Knupfer.
1855
The next conductor, Georg Schmider – also known as "Schmidjörg" – may not have grown up with music, but he seemed to possess an innate talent. He would lead the band for the next 40 years. Under his leadership, the sense of community and sociability within the group was particularly strong.
One factor that certainly contributed to the good camaraderie at that time was the lack of a rehearsal room, so rehearsals and meetings always took place at the conductor's or a musician's home. One can imagine that not only the music was cultivated there, but the musicians' physical well-being was also not neglected.
Only later did the municipality provide a room in the school and town hall, and then in the elementary school, free of charge.
1858
Certain circumstances make it necessary to regulate the association's affairs in writing and to define the relationship between the city and the band, as well as between the musicians, in the association's statutes.
According to the statutes, the city had to cover the costs of instruments and conductors, but otherwise the musicians were left to their own devices. Members had to pay an annual dues.
1894
Gustav Ecker takes over as conductor of the band.
1902
Hermann Stehle becomes the new conductor of the band.
1904
Siegfried Laun replaces Hermann Stehle as conductor.
1908
With the arrival of the new conductor, Senior Teacher Schwarzhans, a lot is changing for the members of the City and Fire Brigade Band, which has borne this name since the fire brigade was founded.
Senior teacher Schwarzhans ensures the band's contemporary instrumentation and adapts the organization to changing times. Under his leadership, the musical standard improves.
1910
In a new statute dated September 30, 1910, the municipal council stipulates: "The town band is not a private institution, but a municipal institution established by the local council for the purpose of providing the usual festive music at secular and religious celebrations. However, it may be used by clubs and private individuals. The municipality provides the necessary instruments, music, equipment, and the practice room with heating and lighting. The costs for this are included annually in the budget."
1921
Senior teacher Schwarzhans lays down his baton for health reasons and teacher Schlecht leads the band.
1925
Otto Hörsch takes over the baton. Under his leadership, the band experiences a renewed musical resurgence. For the first time, it performs outside of Hausach's area, competing against other bands.
1928
The band's 110th anniversary is the biggest event since its founding, after the 100th anniversary could not be celebrated due to World War I. Despite the crisis-ridden times, the Hausach residents enthusiastically celebrate their birthday with many visitors and guest bands.
1929
Another conductor change is imminent: Nikolaus Nehlig replaces Otto Hörsch. At the time, no one suspected that the new conductor would steer the orchestra's musical fortunes for over four decades.
1939
World War II marked another turning point in the history of the town band. Conductor Nehlig was drafted into a military band, and the first musicians were also called up for military service. During this time, Haslach conductor Otto Blank led the remaining group. But from 1942 onward, club life was finally no longer possible.
1945
The resumption in 1945 was difficult, as the war had also left significant gaps in Hausach. Without the support of choirmaster Weiß and parish priest Würth, it would probably not have been possible to ensure the band's continued existence. Senior teacher Schwarzhans once again took up the baton and conducted the Hausach musicians until he was replaced by Lambert Timmer in 1946.
1947
Nikolaus Nehlig returned from captivity and took over the musical direction again. He trained generations of musicians, and by the early 1950s, the band was once again able to play at the senior level and achieve high placings in competitions.
around 1950
For the first time in the band's history, a uniform is purchased.
1963
Managing director Eugen Jehle establishes a youth band. In addition to individual coaching from bandmaster Nehlig, Jehle holds group rehearsals with the young people and organizes smaller performances and hikes.
1968
A healthy and well-run Hausach Town Band celebrates its 150th anniversary. The band, including the conductor, has a strength of 40 active musicians in the anniversary year. The celebrations will take place from July 12th to 15th, 1968, as a large association music festival.
1969
The mayoral election gave the band a new chairman: Mayor Manfred Kienzle. From the very beginning, he has been a strong advocate for the band's interests. Today, Manfred Kienzle serves as honorary chairman of the Hausach City Band.
The band intends to donate the profits from its 150th anniversary celebration to the town of Hausach to build a bandstand. Unfortunately, this plan was thwarted due to the lack of a suitable location, so the band is using the money to purchase a music and instrument cabinet.
1970
At the annual general meeting of the Kinzigtal Music Association, Mayor Kienzle received the Pro Musica plaque from the district president, which was awarded for the first time to music bands that are 100 years old or older.
1973
SAfter more than 45 years as conductor of the city band, Nikolaus Nehlig is retiring from his active role and appointed honorary conductor.
Nehlig's successor will be Günter Keller, who, after completing his music studies, will take over the band and further expand youth training. He will also lead the youth band from now on.
1979
Organization of the association concert of the Kinzigtal Music Association
1980
Participation in the competition of the Kinzigtal Music Association in Steinach.
Result: 1st place with distinction (upper level)
1983
Participation in the competition of the Kinzigtal Music Association in Wolfach.
Result: 1st place (upper level)
Conductor Günter Keller hands over the baton to Heinrich Krämer after 10 years of service.
1985
Heinrich Krämer is stepping down from his position as conductor of the city band. In the absence of a conductor, former managing director Eugen Jehle, who has led the Kinzigtal Music Association for several years, is offering his services as interim conductor so that the band can search for a conductor in peace.
1987
With the Epiphany Ball, Jehle's conducting career with the Hausach Town Band will end. The next rehearsal will be conducted by Günter Belli.
For the first time in the history of the Hausach Town Band, women and girls are playing in the band. From now on, the band's existence without female members is unthinkable.
In order to give musicians studying and working away from home the opportunity to attend music rehearsals more often, the music rehearsal will be moved from Tuesday to Friday evening.
1988
Participation in the competition of the Kinzigtal Music Association in Haslach.
Result: 1st place with distinction (upper level)
Expansion of the city band's rehearsal room in the basement of the city hall.
1993
The 175th anniversary of the Hausach Town Band was celebrated as part of the Kinzigtal Brass Band Association's music festival from June 24 to 28, 1993. At this time, the town band comprised 66 active musicians.
1997
With a church concert instead of the traditional spring concert, city bandmaster Günter Belli will endApril 13, 1997
his 10 years as conductor and says goodbye to the Hausach Town Band.
Günter Belli’s successor will be Freiburg trombonist and music teacher Raphael Janz.
2018
200th anniversary of the Hausach Town Band:“200 Years Young” – under this motto the Hausach Town Band celebrated its 200th birthday with a series of events.
The anniversary began with the annual concert on Klosterplatz. It was a musical journey through time and the prelude to a series of anniversary events that culminated in a festive weekend in October.
With a gala evening, a party night with Allgäu power and a classical concert with the world-class brass orchestra German Brass, the Hausach Town Band celebrated its 200th anniversary in October 2018.