Provided by Dr. Rainer Schaller – September 2022
| Town Musicians in Bavaria |
As early as during the 15th century so called „town musicians“ (e.g. paid by the city of Augsburg) are known in Bavaria: During the 17th century instruments became easier to afford and therefore many amateur wind bands were formed in the region, mainly initiated by the catholic church in order to accompany pilgrimages, which then became very popular.
Town Musicians in Bavaria
However, in the small village Gersthofen – just north of Augsburg – the first reports about a local wind band date back to 1870 – certainly with a nationalist background due to the German-French war. But soon this band became a part of the local culture: Besides church events (e.g. Corpus Christi procession) they also performed at typical dance events.
World War I
The musical life at Gersthofen came to an end during World War I. Less then half of the band members returned home.
Music Returns in the 1920s
In the early twenties of the last century again the catholic church initiated the reestablishment of a wind band – and paid initially for instruments and music arrangements! Again the repertoire soon widened to folk music, marches and traditional dances. The band also plaid at funerals, in beer gardens and beer tents at local festivals.
World War II
During the „Third Reich“ and World War II the band became officially the „Community Orchestra.“ Unfortunately the band was silenced again in April 1943 as most of the musicians were at war.
The Music Lives on…
Legislation of the allied forces prohibited wind band acitivites in Germany after World War II, which is the reason that it took until 1950, before the formation of a amateur wind band was initiated by the „Volunteer Firefighters“. This band had 28 members and developed to the band we know today… and more.
The Music Lives on…
The Music Lives on… Stronger than ever
Currently there are 6 wind bands within the town limits of Gersthofen, with 4 in the city itself! The „All Gersthofen Band“, which is proud to perform together with our friends from the „Stonewall Brigade Band“ is actually a combination of these bands.
The core of the group, however, consists of members of the „Stadtkapelle Gersthofen“, the official wind band of our music minded city.