*
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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd