ASG Big Band: Exciting concert with the US Air Force is coming up!

ASG Big Band: Exciting concert with the US Air Force is coming up!

At the Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium (ASG) in Kaiserslautern, music is very important. The big band, led by music teacher Harry Geib, has now become an integral part of the school community. Geib, who himself worked as a trainee at the ASG in the 1990s and is best known as a trumpet player, has led the band since 2009 and every year takes care of putting together a playable ensemble of students from years 8 to 13. During the performances, the line-up is structured appropriately, so that a breath of fresh air always comes into the school's outstanding music scene.

The big band rehearsals take place every Friday at 1 p.m. in the gym, with Geib not only selecting the pieces, but also leading the rehearsals and organizing the performances. This commitment is particularly appreciated by 18-year-old student Sara, who emphasizes the band's importance to the community. The Big Band has made a name for itself through regular performances in the region, for example at the Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern and at special events such as the “Long Night of Culture”. One impressive performance even included a five-hour program.

Special performances by the big band

The Big Band has already had some notable successes in its history. In 2016, they won the big band competition “Bw Musix” in Balingen and have thus established themselves as one of the best-rated school bands. The impressive events include workshops with the SWR Big Band in Stuttgart and an exchange concert with the “Crescent Super Band” from the USA.

An exciting event is coming soon: On Wednesday evening the band will perform together with the USAFE Band of the US Air Force at the Kamgarn. This concert is a special highlight and is intended to give all ASG students the opportunity to listen to the professionals live. This special event was initiated by English teacher Marius Busch, whose student is the son of the band manager.

Beyond the big band

But the big band is not the only musical highlight at the ASG. The Combo of the Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium has also made it its mission to give concerts and familiarize the students with different styles of music. As part of the summer program of the Kaiserslautern Garden Show, they will perform on the open-air stage in Neumühlepark on April 28, 2024. Under the direction of Harry Geib, they will present an approximately hour and a half program that includes rock, swing, Latin and soul. His students will perform in the event with the support of several singers, and in case of bad weather the concert will take place in a hall on the garden show grounds.

Ensemble work is very important in schools, as can be seen in a report from Knut Eckhardt. This emphasizes the relevance of the practical aspects and the central role of the band leader, which is of great importance for group work in school bands. The interaction and collaborative rehearsal work not only introduces students to music, it also strengthens social cohesion among the young people.

A lot is happening in the world of music in Kaiserslautern. The big band and its combo invite the students and the entire community to experience the diversity and fun of music live and to be carried away by the sounds. We can look forward to the upcoming performances and the developments in the musical community at the Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium.

For more information please visit the articles on Rhine Palatinate, Weekly newspaper reporter as well as Practicing and making music.