German Choirs of Fredericksburg, TX

The Choirs are enjoying the summer break. In the meantime, a recollection of this year's Maifest. "The Yellow Rose of Texas" is one of Texas traditional favorites and also one of very few songs that the Choirs sing in English. The song dates back to the 1850s.

✧ Arion Men's Choir was founded in 1908. At the beginning its seat was at Palo Alto Creek. Arion also had a mixed choir - its members were ladies (wives and daughters) of the Arion singers. Clipping source: Dietel, William. The Radio Post (Fredericksburg, Tex.), Vol. 13, No. 51, Ed. 1 Friday, August 30, 1935 , newspaper , August 30, 1935; Fredericksburg, Texas . ( https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1510164/ : accessed June 7, 2024 ), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu ; crediting Gillespie County Historical Society . ✧ Hermannsons Mixed Choir (Hermannsöhne Gemischter Chor) came into being in 1934.  In May 1935, Arion Men's Choir hosted the annual Gillespie County S ä ngerfest. The ladies of the Arion Mixed Choir assisted the men in organizing and preparing the celebrations. Clipping source: Source:  Di...

It is not known who the author of the song is.  "Horch, was kommt von draussen 'rein" was popular among students at the end of the 19th century. Many men's choruses added the song to their repertoire then. In the 20th century, other types of choirs started singing it as well.  Franz Joseph Roehl is the author of the tune musical arrangement sung by the ladies of the German Choirs of Fredericksburg.   You can read more about the song HERE .

 On September 28, the German Choirs of Fredericksburg host the annual Sängerfest (Singers' Festival). In relation to that, we are going to post some history-related notes regarding the Texanisher Gebirgs Sängerbund (Texas State Association of German singing societies), past Sängerfest events, and German Choirs of Fredericksburg, Texas. 𝅘𝅥𝅯 The first post of the series is dedicated to "Concordia" , one of the oldest (non-church related) choirs (the first men's choir) of Fredericksburg, Texas. The Men's Chorus "Concordia" was organized on November 30, 1880. Its first officers were: President: Ed. Maier, Secretary: Robert Fresenius, Secretary: Treasurer: F. Koeppen, Director: Julius Hansen  March 18, 1881 - "Concordia" had 13 members. On that day, the choir became part of the Texas Choral Society. "Concordia" was the host of  Sängerfest (Singers' Festival) in 1882, 1890, and 1895.  Clipping source: Hanschke, Robert. Freie Presse ...

 Our Maifest took place on May 05. The Choirs did enjoy meeting with the guests who attended the event. Hopefully, they all had at least as much fun as we did. Thank you guys for your support!  ♪ One of our newer pieces: "Im Wald und auf der Heide"  - a German folk and hunting song.  Text: Wilhelm Bornemann Music based on folk tune: Ferdinand Ludwig Gehricke More videos from the fest - soon.

December is the annual caroling time. The Choirs are going to sing German Christmas carols at three places. December 15 11 am - Knopp I (Healthcare & Rehab.), 11: 45 am - Golden Hub. December 21 6 pm - Heritage Assisted Living

Our words of appreciation to the guests who visited with the Choirs and listened to our songs at the annual Herbfest event. Special kudos to all of you who were able to accompany us until the very end of the fest. The videos with our Herbfest songs are available on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.  

Sunday 10/22 - The Choirs' concert at Zion Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, TX (followed by a refreshment time organized by the church). Our thank you to Zion Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, TX for having invited us to sing at their Sanctuary.  Coffee/tea and cookies time at Zion's Fellowship Hall Zion's IT team recorded our performance - watch the video.  Thanks a lot to the IT men!

Our big thank you to all who came to listen to our songs on Saturday during Oktoberfest. It is always nice to feel your support!

Saturday, September 23 - the Choirs sang at the annual Sängerfest in New Braunfels, Texas. It was fun! Next year, the event will be hosted by the German Choirs in Fredericksburg! Photo shared by Mr. Dieter K

After the summer break, the Choirs started another singing year last Thursday.  Welcome back to the new and "old" singers! We are going to participate in the 131st Texanischer Gerbirgs Sängerfest which takes place in New Braunfels, Texas, on September 23.  This year's Sängerfest venue: McKenna Events Center, Lone Star Room, 801 W San Antonio St. New Braunfels, Texas 78130. Anyhow, new songs are being practiced. In the meantime, on our blog, another song from the last Maifest: "Was noch frisch und jung an Jahren"/ Gustav Gunsenheimer.

 After a well deserved break, the Choirs restart their practice meetings on February 9.

The Choirs closed the Singing Season 2022 on December 19, 2022. Here is the year in review New singers Violet , Ron , and Chris joined the Choirs. We are so pleased you sing with us! The Choirs performed at:  a funeral service 3/18 at the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Van der Stucken Festival 04/02,  Maifest,  Fredericksburg Anniversary Ceremony 05/06, Sängerfest in San Antonio 09/24,   Oktoberfest 10/01, Herbfest 11/6, Golden Hub 12/16, Villages of Windcrest 12/19. The number of followers of our new Instagram page has been growing. Right now, it is 95 individuals and choirs from all over the world. A new Facebook page was created on March 3. Credits Sängerfest photo by Ms. Loretta Schmidt, Oktoberfest photo provided by Susi Woitalla Pharmakis .