Abenheim has a Blaskapelle, that is a “wind band” – a sort of big band with brass and woodwind instruments and, for concerts, a few percussionists. The band takes part in just about all of Abenheim’s events where a marching band or concert group is needed (or just fits in nicely), and has a few concerts of their own. They’re also in demand for events in neighbouring villages and towns.
Last night was their 2007 Spring Concert. A programme titled Music tells the History (I think), a slightly odd collection of music each piece with a title related to a particular event or person in history, the most recognisable of them being the theme from the Lawrence of Arabia film, The Best of Bond (James Bond), and Titanic Story – this last one including a gospel-style sung storyline.
The Blaskapelle has about 40 active members in the main band (there’s a junior band and a recorder group too), and they wear a uniform of black/white with a “club” tie and black blazer for their official appearances. They are noted for their high standard.
Big concerts and other major indoor events in Abenheim take place in the Festhalle – the festival hall. This is a rather grandiose title for upstairs at the fire station! It is a hall, with a stage at one end (although there is no backstage), and a bar at the entrace end. Seated in theatre-style rows there’s room for about 300; last night, despite the high temperature we had had all day, it was full to overflowing.
Concerts here are civilised – you can get yourself a glass of wine, wine schorle, or beer if you must, and settle down in your seat for the concert. There was an interval after an hour, time enough for the audience to refill their glasses, and a second half of about the same length. There were also Bretzel to eat for anyone with an urgent need.
Although this concert was a (to me) a bit of an odd collection of music, ther performance was as good as ever, and remarkable for there were a significant number of new members in the senior band who have this year been promoted from the junior group.