*
banner

30-year-old Turmblasen tradition kept alive by new means

A wonderful tradition was heard in a different way in Germany thanks to the efforts of Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V.

Blechklang
  The players recorded the music from home to maintain the tradition

Performing under the motto 'Corona can't stop the Music!' Brass Band BlechKLANG, Jugend Brass Band BlechKLANG and Show Brass Band VielKLANG in Germany who perform under the umbrella of the brass band association Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V., have found a way to keep a 30 year tradition alive in the run-up to Christmas.

Tower

'Turmblasen' sees players perform carols from the town hall tower of Jena — a tradition linked to the town's famous Christmas market for more than 30 years.

Due to the Corona pandemic, it could be undertaken this year in its usual format, but under MD Alexander Richter, a digital version was conceived in which the musicians recorded the music from their homes.

The digital 'Turmblasen' was premiered on Brass Band BlechKLANG's Facebook page and YouTube channel this week and also enabled the band to reach out to potential financial donors4BR

New choice

He told 4BR: "There was great disappointment that 'Turmblasen' couldn't take place this year, but we didn't want to resign ourselves to the fact that there would be no carolling at all. That's why we chose to do it this way — and we were delighted by the response from the musicians."

The digital 'Turmblasen' was premiered on Brass Band BlechKLANG's Facebook page and YouTube channel this week and also enabled the band to reach out to potential financial donors.

Alexander added: "In addition to the cultural loss due to the cancelled carolling, financial losses have unfortunately also occurred.

The brass band association Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V., which has already been struggling with the effects of Corona since the summer, urgently needs financial help to enable brass banding to survive and prosper in this part of Germany."

Enjoy:

Feel free to use the YouTube video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ImWQ6s48_0

A crowdfunding page has been set up at: https://www.startnext.com/en/rettet-das-jenaer-turmblasen

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Kirsty Abbotts

Abbotts flugel role with Grimethorpe

September 5 • Kirsty Abbotts is the new flugel horn player at Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd