GERMAN AMERICAN MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION

FAQ

Q. What style of music do you play?
A. The German American Musicians Blaskapelle (Dance Band) specializes in traditional German music for every occasion. We specialize in marches, polkas, waltzes, foxtrots, tangos, Reinlanders and other ethnic dances popular in the German speaking regions of Europe. We also demonstrate ethnic dances and provide various audience participation opportunities, including “Rucki Zucki” “Schöne Maid” “Ein Prosit der Gemütllichkeit” “The Chicken Dance” and more!

The German American Musicians Konzertkapelle (Concert Band) specializes in the settings of light-concert standards, overtures, and other concert selections. We make composers of the light music of middle Europe come alive throughout performances of marches, waltzes, and other symphonic arrangements. Recent concert venues have included the Lancaster Opera House and the solemn German Christmas Mass at Canisius College.

Q. How extensive is your music “library”?
A. We have an extensive library of over 2,000 pieces including many rare arrangements that are not even available in Germany anymore.

Q. What is the size of your group?
A. The German American Musicians Blaskapelle is a Show Band comprised of over 25 musicians. The German American Musicians Konzertkapelle is a wind ensemble made up of nearly 30 musicians.

Q. How expensive are the German American Musicians?
A. We are among the most competitively priced specialty groups in the Western New York area. Pricing for a particular function depends on a number of variables including distance, duration, and the band desired. For a quote, please call or send an e-Mail request.

Q. How long do you typically play?
A. How much beer do you have? Just kidding! We perform anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the nature of the venue. A typical show for the Blaskapelle is 3 or 4 hours with 45-minute sets.

Q. How much space does the band need?
A. The band's stage area requirements depend on the type of event and the band you request. We do realize that some venues are not able to provide a great deal of space. We work within the available area provided to the extent to which we can with a band of our size. If the event is a large ballroom, usually the stage is 20' deep by 30' wide. We need to set up before your parties arrive. Please contact us with specific questions and/or concerns.

Q. Do we need to provide any sound or lighting equipment?
A. The German American Musicians come with all of our own sound and lighting equipment. Some very large venues will have an independent sound & light system provided. We work closely with these operators in order to achieve our desired “sound”.

Q. How does the band dress for a function?
A. We wear a costume traditional with German venues. During warm weather we usually wear our German Bundhosen (knickers) with white shirts, red vests and wool socks. The ladies wear a specially made traditional German Dirndl with dark skirts, white blouses, and red vests.

Q. Is music provided during your breaks?
A. Yes. We put on a recording during our breaks for continuous music.

Q. Do you play special requests?
A. We make every effort to attend to special requests so long as they are in our style and fit the occasion. It is important that these special requests be made and approved well in advance of a particular show.

Q. How long has the band been together?
A. Although there have been German Bands in Buffalo since the early 1800’s, the German American Musicians Association formally organized in 1933 as a German musicians’ union. Since then, the Association has hosted many groups. These days, the predominant groups include a Blaskapelle or “show band” and a Konzertkapelle or “Concert Band.” In addition, each of our musicians brings many years of musical experience to the stage.

Q. I’ve decided I would like to book the The German American Musicians for my next Fest. What's next?
A. Contact us directly through by telephone, mail or email. We will send you our musical services contract that spells out the terms and conditions so that there are no misunderstandings at the show. A deposit is usually due along with the returned signed agreement.

Q. Where can come we see the band play?
A. It is always best to call us about our upcoming schedule or go to our events page. Reservations may be needed for some events. It’s always a good idea to call ahead if possible.

Q. We need help running our German-style event. Where can we find help?
A. We offer FULL-consulting services and will help you to develop the best of German events. We know how to sell beer!!!

Q. I am interested in your band, but my party is not in the Buffalo area. Can you travel?
A. Yes, we have traveled, and will travel. Depending on the location and duration of the venue – meal(s), travel, and/or lodging may be necessary. Please contact us for further information regarding any out of town travel.

Q. Where has the German American Musicians Association played?
A. The The German American Musicians ensembles have performed all over the eastern seaboard and even in Germany, Austria and Switzerland over the years!

Appearances in the western New York state area:
Buffalo Convention Center for the North American Gaufest, 1993 & 2005
The Pier Oktoberfest – Buffalo, NY
Canisius College Christmas Mass – Buffalo, NY
The Park Lane Restaurant – Buffalo, NY
The Taste of Buffalo – Buffalo, NY
Allentown Oktoberfest – Buffalo, NY
The Amherst Museum German Festival – Amherst, NY
The Rose Garden Wurstfest and Oomph Palooza – Williamsville, NY
WNY German-American Festival in Cheektowaga, NY
Elderwood Healthcare at Lynwood in Cheektowaga, NY
Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church Corn Festival in Clarence, NY
Clarence Farmers Market – Clarence, NY
Brothers of Mercy Bavarian Fest – Clarence, NY
Lancaster Opera House: German Christmas Festival – Lancaster, NY
Weimer’s Grove – Lancaster, NY
Americas Fair – Hamburg, NY
Fairground Gaming & Raceway Oktoberfest – Hamburg, NY
Club Lorelei German-Irish Festival – Hamburg, NY
Councilwoman Nan Ackerman’s Oktoberfest – Orchard Park, NY
Toy Fest Parade – East Aurora, NY
Spring Garden Park – Marilla, NY
Gore Mountain – North Creek, NY
Tulip Festival Parade – Holland, NY
Darien Lake Theme Park Cultural Festival – Darien, NY
Darien Lake State Park – Darien, NY
Ellicottville Brew Pub Oktoberfest – Ellicottville, NY
Rushford Family Oktoberfest – Rushford, NY
Rochester Federation German-American Festival – Rochester, NY
Rochester Main Street Armory Oktoberfest - Rochester, NY
Central Terminal Oktoberfest

Appearances outside WNY:
Lake George Oktoberfest – Lake George, NY
Hershey Convention Center – 21st North American Gaufest – Hershey, PA
Milwaukee German Fest – Milwaukee, WI
Various Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria Concert Tours. Summer of 2008.
Hunter Mountain Alps Fest, Catskills, NY