History
The original Philadelphia German Brass Band - photo circa 1935
It all started in 1935...
Founded in 1935 by a German immigrant named Fritz Sauter, the Philadelphia German Brass Band has performed continuously for 75 years. In the early days Sauter and other German natives met at private homes and German social organizations to play the songs that they remembered growing up in Germany. A tradition began that continues today. We are proud to be the oldest continually performing German band in the Philadelphia region and amongst the most venerable of such ensembles in the United States.
Fritz Sauter's Band in the 1950's and 60's
When Herr Sauter retired, the band's leadership was passed on to Alois Haidl, a native of Passau in Bavaria. Haidl structured and expanded and the size of the band considerably, catering to the tastes of a new generation of Germans that arrived in America during the 1950's and '60's. The enhanced, more contemporary repertoire included popular dance numbers and American tunes reflective of the times.
Under the leadership of Alois Haidl in the 1970's and 80's
...and is going strong today...
The band still performs for appreciative audiences in the greater Philadelphia area today, providing a staple of authentic German brass band music for public and private Oktoberfests, festivals and ethnic events. The ensemble's singluar authenticity is increasingly sought after along the East Coast from Connecticut to Virginia. In recent years, large audiences have enjoyed the group's music at New Jersey's Garden State Arts Center as well as Action Park, Hunter Mountain in New York and the U.S. Army Base at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. A wider public was reached through a live radio and cable television broadcast from WFMZ in Allentown, PA.
Branching beyond the typical ethnic sound, the band's expansive repertoire contributes tastefully to diverse venues ranging from formal gala concerts at the Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia's beautiful Fairmount Park and liturgical services at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in historic downtown Philadelphia to playing for a rodeo at the famous Devon Horse Show Complex.
...with a commitment to continue for years to come!
The band is currently under the musical leadership of Peter Wilhelm Palan, it is managed by Len Forlenza and continues to flourish through the significant contributions of many. Members Charlie Evans, Bill Moore and Bill Trimble arrange many of our new selections, writing specifically with a keen ear to the ensemble's strengths and unique instrumentation. Our historic library dates back to the middle 19th century and is expertly cared for by Bob Bugge. For many years, Charles Thompson has been a diligent and detail-oriented sound and recording specialist.
As a reflection of the German immigrant's swift assimilation into mainstream American culture, the last two decades have seen more native-born Americans in the band. We are proud to keep the tradition alive that began 75 years ago and endeavor to uphold this for many years to come.