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History of the association
How did the TU Clausthal's groovING TUC Big Band come about?
Prehistory
The two founding members Bernd Weidenfeller and Gunther Brenner had already been playing together in a saxophone quartet for some time. Because one of the quartet members moved away in 2017, the remaining trio was faced with the decision of what to do next. As Bernd had already been a member of the saxophone quintet "Elke auf dem Holzweg" for many years, he didn't want to play in a saxophone ensemble again. Gunther then had the idea of founding a big band at Clausthal University of Technology. He didn't have to convince Bernd, who had already played in a big band as a teenager, for long. However, Bernd had already experienced several unsuccessful orchestra formations by students in Clausthal and only considered the formation of a band to be successful if a musical director was also available at the time of formation and the band was not founded as a loose association of musicians but as an association. So Gunther successfully looked for a conductor and Bernd took care of all the formalities for founding a non-profit association. Thanks to their contacts with the local Robert Koch School, the music room in the school could be used as a rehearsal room, but unfortunately it was only available on Fridays. Once the formation of the band had been prepared, the two looked for interested musicians both inside and outside TU Clausthal and invited them to the founding meeting on 29.09.2017 in the music room of the Robert Koch School.
September 29, 2017
Friday, 18:00
Founding of the association
Despite the date on Friday evening, when many students typically go away for the weekend, 23 people accepted the invitation to found the association. There was a discussion about whether it was really necessary to found an association or whether we could "just get together" to make music. However, as no one was found who wanted to be solely responsible for the school room, for the contract with the conductor and for buying sheet music and then having to collect the money from the band members, and also because funding and donations can only be raised through a non-profit association, it was finally agreed to found an association. The prepared statutes were discussed and approved with minor changes. Bernd Weidenfeller (1st chairman), Gunther Brenner (2nd chairman), Conny Pohle (treasurer) and Theresa Jütte (secretary) were elected as the first board of the association. The Executive Board arranged for the association to be entered in the register of associations, registered the association with the tax office, set up an association account and ultimately also fended off claims from the GEZ. The association, with mainly student members, was also registered as a student association at Clausthal University of Technology.
1st Big Band year
(10/2017 - 10/2018)
The first small rehearsal took place immediately after the club was founded. Our conductor Domenic had selected some challenging titles. There were also vocal tracks for which the band was able to find female singers. At the end of the semester, the band didn't feel "fit" enough to play an official concert. This was also due to the fact that musicians were coming to and from rehearsals and that a regular line-up had only been formed in January that was convinced by the band and enjoyed this style of music. It was therefore decided to invite only friends to the first performance in the Aula Academica of Clausthal University of Technology and to give a small private concert. Around 50 people attended this concert on 17.02.2018, but they didn't have to regret attending, as the band's performances were quite good. The big band made its first official appearance at the Clausthal Blues Night on 2 June 2018, to which it was invited. The Big Band's first proper end-of-semester concert evening on 26.06.2018 was attended by almost 100 people. And as a TU Clausthal band, we naturally also made our musical contribution on Teaching Day (03.07.2018).
swingING TUC Combo: By now, word of the Big Band's existence had spread and we were getting lots of requests for gigs. There was an unfulfilled need for big band music! However, it was often the case that the band was only asked to play two or three songs at an event. But that was too much work for the big band, which would have taken two hours just to set up and dismantle the equipment. Other venues were too small to accommodate both the band and the event for which the big band was requested. So the idea was born to meet with a small group one hour before the big band rehearsal and to play jazz in a combo line-up. As it was not always possible for the same line-up to meet, music titles were procured that could also be played in changing line-ups. The swingING TUC Combo had its first performance on 19.10.2018 at the TUC Start Fair.
Procurement of instruments: In the first year, the big band received a relatively inexpensive drum kit from Thomann as a donation in kind. A stage piano was purchased with the help of membership fees and donations.
(10/2018 - 10/2019)
At the beginning of the second year, there was a change in the association's board. The treasurer Conny Pohle did not stand for re-election. As the new treasurer, Vera Stein was elected as the first student member of the board of this student association. Barbara Boesche took over the office of auditor.
The band played an end-of-semester concert after each semester, which took place on 08.02.2019 and 29.06.2020 in the Aula Academica. The band decided to play all concerts free of charge in order to enable financially disadvantaged people to attend. Instead, donations were requested, which could be dropped into the instrument cases provided. The audience, which has now grown to over 100 people, has always paid well for the band's music. The band also performed at the town festival in Clausthal. A special rehearsal of the Big Band was particularly enjoyable, as we had the PromenadorQuestern Band from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm as a guest. In addition to the incredible fun of rehearsing together and the friendliness of the band members, we were particularly impressed by the Tigerenten-style tour bus.
Gradually, a vocal ensemble also joined the band. This always rehearsed separately and only had joint rehearsals with the band before the concerts. By joining the association, the band also had a greater responsibility towards the vocal ensemble and applications were made for funding for a jazz vocal teacher.
The swingINGg TUC Combo was also asked to play numerous gigs again. There were more gigs than the combo was able to respond to positively. They played at the New Year's reception of the town of Clausthal Zellerfeld as well as at the events "100 years of women's suffrage in Germany" or the anniversary of the AWO in Goslar and delighted the audience.
The band was also able to solve a major problem: During the school vacations, the band was unable to rehearse at school and was always on the lookout for a suitable rehearsal room. Of course, the drums and stage piano also had to be transported to the rehearsals. We were provided with a rehearsal room in the basement of the mathematics institute. Although it is a bit cramped, it can be used during the vacations. It can also be used for individual and set rehearsals.
Procurement of instruments: In the second year of the band's existence, we successfully applied for funding and were thus able to purchase further necessary instruments for the band: an electric guitar with amplifier and a bass trombone as well as the missing piano bench for the stage piano could be purchased. The band also bought vocal microphones, microphone stands, a PA system, monitor speakers and a mixing console. The rehearsal room equipment was completed with a Pearl drum set and music stands for the entire band.
(10/2019 - 10/2020)
The Corona year
The association board consisting of Bernd Weidenfeller, Gunther Brenner, Vera Stein and Theresa Jütte was confirmed in office. At the beginning of the 2019/2020 winter semester, we had no idea what to expect and the band rehearsed diligently for the end-of-semester concert on 8 February 2020. This concert was a premiere in two respects:
Because the Aula Academica was being renovated, the concert took place in the break hall of the Robert Koch School. We also hosted another big band for this concert, the Big Band of the Ulricianum Aurich. Almost 200 guests came to this concert, so we had to bring in more chairs in addition to the 150 chairs we had set up and the concert started a little late. This was to be a foretaste of our summer semester concert, for which the Big Band of the Lower Saxony Police had already confirmed as a guest. At the time of the concert, there were already the first cases of the Covid-19 virus in Germany, but it had not yet spread widely. However, this quickly changed and, in order to contain the pandemic, extensive restrictions (lockdown) were imposed on public life from 22.03.2020, which also affected the big band. Music and vocal rehearsals were no longer allowed to take place and the band had to stop all rehearsals. The planned projects could not be carried out. The board had to clarify what would happen to the funding raised for this, as the band had already spent the money on rehearsals and purchases. A final decision has not yet been made. After the restrictions were eased, rehearsals could take place from the end of June to the end of October.
During the lockdown, the big band received a grant from the Sparkassenstiftung, which was used to purchase instrument microphones and vocal microphones. These were distributed to all band members, who used them to create a music video for the song 7 Years by Lukas Graham.
Procurement of instruments: In the third year, the Big Band was able to make further necessary purchases: a trumpet, two flugelhorns, a baritone saxophone, an eDrum set, a wireless microphone system for 5 instruments, 25 audio interfaces, 25 instrument microphones, an amplifier and speakers for the bass guitar, an amplifier with speakers for the electric guitar.
(10/2020 - 10/2021)
On October 30, 2020, the annual general meeting and board election took place before the weekly rehearsal. On this day, it was already clear that Germany would go into the next lockdown the next day due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The general meeting confirmed Bernd Weidenfeller in office as 1st Chairman. Sebastian Maier replaced Gunther Brenner as 2nd Chairman. Vera Stein handed over her position as Treasurer to Martin Köhler, and Jan Erik Baum took over the position of Secretary from Theresa Jütte. This is the first time that students have taken over the majority of the Big Band Board. The general meeting and the subsequent rehearsal took place in the auditorium of the Robert Koch School with the doors wide open, so that the risk of infection with coronavirus was extremely low.
Unfortunately, joint rehearsals are prohibited during the lockdown. The big band has therefore started another music video project, which will be published soon. However, making music alone is much less fun than making music together, so the Big Band Board was always looking for opportunities to play together. The Jamulus and Jamkazam programs were tried without success. But then the computer center of the TU Clausthal set up a Jamulus server, with which a first joint Jamulus rehearsal with 8 people was successful. From February 12, 2021, we will therefore resume trial operation with Jamulus.
Due to low incidences, the Big Band was allowed to rehearse in presence again from June 04, 2021. This was immediately put to good use, as we could hardly wait to rehearse. By the end of July 2021, three set rehearsals had been completed in addition to the normal rehearsals.
Something new has also happened with the vocal ensemble: the big band has founded a rock, pop and jazz choir, which is led by conductor André Wenauer from Hattorf. The choir rehearses its songs independently of the big band. However, as it is still financially supported by the band, the Big Band's vocal titles are also rehearsed.
Procurement of instruments Supported by the Regionalverband Harz er.V. with funds from the state of Lower Saxony as well as funds from Sparkasse Goslar and Volksbank im Harz, our Big Band was able to purchase additional equipment for student members. These included an alto and a tenor saxophone, a tenor trombone, a Gretsch E guitar and a Marleaux bass guitar as well as hardware for the drums. We have also received funds to soundproof our rehearsal room. We hope to equip the rehearsal room in such a way that even a drummer will not disturb the lectures taking place in the building.
(10/2020 - 10/2021)
On October 30, 2020, the annual general meeting and board election took place before the weekly rehearsal. On this day, it was already clear that Germany would go into the next lockdown the next day due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The general meeting confirmed Bernd Weidenfeller in office as 1st Chairman. Sebastian Maier replaced Gunther Brenner as 2nd Chairman. Vera Stein handed over her position as Treasurer to Martin Köhler, and Jan Erik Baum took over the position of Secretary from Theresa Jütte. This is the first time that students have taken over the majority of the Big Band Board. The general meeting and the subsequent rehearsal took place in the auditorium of the Robert Koch School with the doors wide open, so that the risk of infection with coronavirus was extremely low.
Unfortunately, joint rehearsals are prohibited during the lockdown. The big band has therefore started another music video project, which will be published soon. However, making music alone is much less fun than making music together, so the Big Band Board was always looking for opportunities to play together. The Jamulus and Jamkazam programs were tried without success. But then the computer center of the TU Clausthal set up a Jamulus server, with which a first joint Jamulus rehearsal with 8 people was successful. From February 12, 2021, we will therefore resume trial operation with Jamulus.
Due to low incidences, the Big Band was allowed to rehearse in presence again from June 04, 2021. This was immediately put to good use, as we could hardly wait to rehearse. By the end of July 2021, three set rehearsals had been completed in addition to the normal rehearsals.
Something new has also happened with the vocal ensemble: the big band has founded a rock, pop and jazz choir, which is led by conductor André Wenauer from Hattorf. The choir rehearses its songs independently of the big band. However, as it is still financially supported by the band, the Big Band's vocal titles are also rehearsed.
Procurement of instruments Supported by the Regionalverband Harz er.V. with funds from the state of Lower Saxony as well as funds from Sparkasse Goslar and Volksbank im Harz, our Big Band was able to purchase additional equipment for student members. These included an alto and a tenor saxophone, a tenor trombone, a Gretsch E guitar and a Marleaux bass guitar as well as hardware for the drums. We have also received funds to soundproof our rehearsal room. We hope to equip the rehearsal room in such a way that even a drummer will not disturb the lectures taking place in the building.
(10/2020 - 10/2021)
On October 30, 2020, the annual general meeting and board election took place before the weekly rehearsal. On this day, it was already clear that Germany would go into the next lockdown the next day due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The general meeting confirmed Bernd Weidenfeller in office as 1st Chairman. Sebastian Maier replaced Gunther Brenner as 2nd Chairman. Vera Stein handed over her position as Treasurer to Martin Köhler, and Jan Erik Baum took over the position of Secretary from Theresa Jütte. This is the first time that students have taken over the majority of the Big Band Board. The general meeting and the subsequent rehearsal took place in the auditorium of the Robert Koch School with the doors wide open, so that the risk of infection with coronavirus was extremely low.
Unfortunately, joint rehearsals are prohibited during the lockdown. The big band has therefore started another music video project, which will be published soon. However, making music alone is much less fun than making music together, so the Big Band Board was always looking for opportunities to play together. The Jamulus and Jamkazam programs were tried without success. But then the computer center of the TU Clausthal set up a Jamulus server, with which a first joint Jamulus rehearsal with 8 people was successful. From February 12, 2021, we will therefore resume trial operation with Jamulus.
Due to low incidences, the Big Band was allowed to rehearse in presence again from June 04, 2021. This was immediately put to good use, as we could hardly wait to rehearse. By the end of July 2021, three set rehearsals had been completed in addition to the normal rehearsals.
Something new has also happened with the vocal ensemble: the big band has founded a rock, pop and jazz choir, which is led by conductor André Wenauer from Hattorf. The choir rehearses its songs independently of the big band. However, as it is still financially supported by the band, the Big Band's vocal titles are also rehearsed.
Procurement of instruments Supported by the Regionalverband Harz er.V. with funds from the state of Lower Saxony as well as funds from Sparkasse Goslar and Volksbank im Harz, our Big Band was able to purchase additional equipment for student members. These included an alto and a tenor saxophone, a tenor trombone, a Gretsch E guitar and a Marleaux bass guitar as well as hardware for the drums. We have also received funds to soundproof our rehearsal room. We hope to equip the rehearsal room in such a way that even a drummer will not disturb the lectures taking place in the building.
(10/2020 - 10/2021)
On October 30, 2020, the annual general meeting and board election took place before the weekly rehearsal. On this day, it was already clear that Germany would go into the next lockdown the next day due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The general meeting confirmed Bernd Weidenfeller in office as 1st Chairman. Sebastian Maier replaced Gunther Brenner as 2nd Chairman. Vera Stein handed over her position as Treasurer to Martin Köhler, and Jan Erik Baum took over the position of Secretary from Theresa Jütte. This is the first time that students have taken over the majority of the Big Band Board. The general meeting and the subsequent rehearsal took place in the auditorium of the Robert Koch School with the doors wide open, so that the risk of infection with coronavirus was extremely low.
Unfortunately, joint rehearsals are prohibited during the lockdown. The big band has therefore started another music video project, which will be published soon. However, making music alone is much less fun than making music together, so the Big Band Board was always looking for opportunities to play together. The Jamulus and Jamkazam programs were tried without success. But then the computer center of the TU Clausthal set up a Jamulus server, with which a first joint Jamulus rehearsal with 8 people was successful. From February 12, 2021, we will therefore resume trial operation with Jamulus.
Due to low incidences, the Big Band was allowed to rehearse in presence again from June 04, 2021. This was immediately put to good use, as we could hardly wait to rehearse. By the end of July 2021, three set rehearsals had been completed in addition to the normal rehearsals.
Something new has also happened with the vocal ensemble: the big band has founded a rock, pop and jazz choir, which is led by conductor André Wenauer from Hattorf. The choir rehearses its songs independently of the big band. However, as it is still financially supported by the band, the Big Band's vocal titles are also rehearsed.
Procurement of instruments Supported by the Regionalverband Harz er.V. with funds from the state of Lower Saxony as well as funds from Sparkasse Goslar and Volksbank im Harz, our Big Band was able to purchase additional equipment for student members. These included an alto and a tenor saxophone, a tenor trombone, a Gretsch E guitar and a Marleaux bass guitar as well as hardware for the drums. We have also received funds to soundproof our rehearsal room. We hope to equip the rehearsal room in such a way that even a drummer will not disturb the lectures taking place in the building.
