BigBand Kepler-Gymnasium Freudenstadt: La Fiesta

10 Years BigBand Kepler - Gymnasium Freudenstadt

... certainly a reason to celebrate – LA FIESTA – but also an opportunity to look back a little on the young history of a young band that miraculously regenerates itself time and time again.

Once upon a time in the last century ... Christof Ruetz, a newcomer to Kepler-Gymnasium – steeped in the waters of jazz and brass craftsmanship – discovered a white, untouched spot in the musical landscape of Kepler-Gymnasium. This could and should not remain so. Already during the first exploratory drilling, a plentifully bubbling source was discovered: The trumpet and saxophone faction of the student body, along with the drummers and electric bassists, had been waiting for this historic moment, and the response was correspondingly tremendous.

From the outset, the goal was clear: It was to be a BigBand. Carefully and with small steps, they approached this goal, only to realize half a year later:
"We swing, therefore we are!"

The band has completed numerous public performances in its ten-year history, and Kepler-Gymnasium is now hardly imaginable without 'its' BigBand. Over these years, many young musicians have gained their first jazz experiences in the BigBand. Many voices have given the band changing faces during this time. Many of them have continued the musical path they began then and have made music their professional life's work.

Like any school BigBand, the Kepler BigBand also experiences highs and lows. In 2008, the band was lifted by a high. A concert with the alto saxophonist Klaus Graf, preceded by a workshop, greatly motivated the young group of musicians and unleashed unexpected energies. The result: a first prize at the Baden-Württemberg competition "Youth plays jazz." Excellent instrumental instruction and consistent band work, supported by a good spirit within the group, had paid off.

This event, along with '10 years of the BigBand of Kepler-Gymnasium' - reason enough to document the current status with a snapshot and to celebrate this event – LA FIESTA – Our special thanks go to the company Wolf Production Systems for their generous financial and logistical support.

... and – after the party is before the party:

Keep on swingin' ...

Herbert Hilbert