About Us

There are two German choirs in Fredericksburg, TX - Arion Männerchor  (Arion Men’s Choir) and Hermannsöhne Gemischter Chor (Hermannsons Mixed Choir). Both choirs are part of a tax-exempt umbrella organization, the Fredericksburg German Choirs. 

The Arion choir was founded in 1908 and the Hermannsons Mixed Choir in 1934. Both choirs belong to the Texanischer Gebirgs Sängerbund (Texas Hill Country Singing Association), a choral association of seven German choirs from the San Antonio/New Braunfels/Fredericksburg area.

The choirs keep the German traditions and heritage alive. Our repertoire ranges from sacred music and classical masterworks to folk songs. Twice a year, in May and November, the choirs present a free-admission public concert. The choirs also participate in the yearly Sängerfest (singers’ festival), a choral festival of all the choirs of the Texanischer Gebirgs Sängerbundes. The host for the Sängerfest is always a member club of the association, chosen on a rotational basis. The choirs also sing in the Fredericksburg community on social occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, church services, and similar events.  We also sing occasionally in nursing homes and a senior citizen center.

Both choirs meet on Thursday evening for rehearsals. Membership is voluntary and adults who enjoy singing are invited to join. While knowledge of German is helpful, it is not necessary.  We have many members in the choirs who do not speak German.

The choirs are directed by Amy Voorhees.  The accompanying pianist is Annabel Wilkinson.

Music Director

Ms. Amy Voorhees is a wife of 22 years, and mother to 8 children. Having spent the majority of her adult married life as a stay-at-home mom, she was excited to begin to serve the church three years ago as the Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg, TX. With 3 church choirs, the duties as a church liturgist, along with 6 children currently in the home, life is busy, but when the opportunity to become the Director for the German Choirs of Fredericksburg presented itself, she knew she couldn't pass up the opportunity! 


Accompanist

Ms. Annabel Wilkinson is a retired teacher, having taught elementary music at the Fredericksburg Elementary school for 19 years. Before that, she taught at Fredericksburg St. Mary’s school, in El Paso, Grand Prairie, and in San Antonio for a total of 31 years.  

Annabel was raised in the Doss community and graduated from Fredericksburg High School. She grew up speaking German since her parents and grandparents communicated in that language with her. Her bachelor's degree is from the University of North Texas. She has two grown daughters, 5 grandchildren, and is a widow. Ms. Wilkinson is an organist and accompanist for several choirs. She has traveled to Germany many times and looks forward to traveling there again, especially to Fredericksburg's sister city, Montabaur. 


Thank You

Our gratitude to Ms. Alice Langehennig, who was the previous Music Leader of the Choirs. Big thanks also to all the singers who used to be part of the group.


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Ms. Amy's Musical Performance

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Ms. Amy Voorhees. our Music Director, had a solo performance at St. Mary's last Sunday. The concert (entitled  "Music is My Prayer") was part of the Sacred Music series presented at the church. We are so proud to have Ms. Amy as our music Instructor! Parts of the concert Soprano: Amy Voorhees, Violin: Tim Carder, Piano and organ: Luciano Laurentiu.
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175th Anniversary of Fort Martin Scott

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  March 8th, 2024 We were honored to be part of the celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of Fort Martin Scott .   As you can here in the recordings, it was a very windy evening.   After the event, the Choirs' received this kind thank you note: "Please pass along our thanks to everyone in the choirs who were part of this afternoon's ceremony and this evening's concert.  They did a tremendous job.  We always enjoy hearing the German choirs, as it reminds us of the lovely years we spent in Germany.  Your concert prior to the start of the ceremony itself helped tie the fort to the local community that was established here by the time the soldiers arrived.  And your rendition of the German anthem at the beginning of the Army Band's concert was a great reminder that those German settlers still cherished their own heritage. Thank you, in particular, for facilitating the participation of the choirs.  Without your help, this probably wouldn't have happened."
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New Arion Choir Officers

On 3/21/2024, after our choir rehearsal, the members of the Arion Choir elected unanimously the following two new officers:   Bryan Bierschwale is the new President. James Franer is the new Vice President.  James will continue as the Arion Schatzmeister ( Treasurer ). ♫ All Arion members appreciate Bryan and James stepping forward and taking on the responsibility. Dieter Kemper and Vernon Tribes , our previous President and Vice President, have served the choir for a very long time. Dieter was the President for 22 years and Vernon, the Vice President, for approximately 15 years. We thank both of them for their long service and hope they will continue their activity as Arion choir members for a long time in the future.   ♫
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