September 2000 - Nr. 9
Dick reports...
Never too young…
…to
make wonderful music. That’s the conclusion I had to draw when listening
to the performance of the "Dinkelsbühler Knabenkapelle" – at
the Donauschwaben Club recently.
It
was exhilarating to see about 50 young musicians – aged between 12 and 21
– in their splendid rococo-style uniforms that dated from 1897, the time
of Frederick II. Previous to that they wore Swedish uniforms.
All
this started about 1552 with the "Buben Bauckenschläger" or
drummer boys, in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.
If
you want to find the former "Free Imperial Town" of Dinkelsbühl
on a map of Germany you will have to look at a rough triangle between
Munich, Nuremberg and Frankfurt a.M. Needless to say that the town is
immensely proud of their young ambassadors who can start as young as 6 - 8
years of age in the drummer corps, during which time they receive their
musical training for other instruments that are played by the band, once
they reach "maturity", at about 12 years old. That way there is
always "Nachschub" or continuance, since the boys have to leave
the
band after they reach the age of 20, and the band usually has about 70 –
75 musicians on hand. Training and management of the band is in the hands of
the town bandmaster.
The band does not tour as such but rather travels on some of
the numerous invitations it receives. Concerts take them time and 
time
again to France, Finland, Italy Austria and Chechnya. On this North American
tour they visited Chicago, Freeport, Detroit, Toronto, Kitchener, the
Heidehof in St. Catharines, Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
Their
repertoire does not only consist of wonderful marches but also other musical
favourites by American and other composers. A standing ovation was the
audience’s thanks for the wonderful performances. Ingrid Metzner, the
talented M. C. and public relations manager, led the audience through the
various selections and informed them also of Dinkelsbühl and the history of
the boys-band.
The club was practically sold out – although there was no
admission – and many dignitaries, among them Karl Hagmann, Deputy Consul
General of Switzerland, and his wife.
If one considers that the town of Dinkelsbühl has only
about 12,000 inhabitants, one must wonder how it is possible to maintain
this wonderful band that gave such a beautiful performance here in Toronto.
Stritzls Party
Wonderful
sunny weather greeted the visitors to Joe and Maria Stritzl’s annual
garden party. The wind was a little cool for a while but no one seemed to
mind. The Mariachi Band strolled through the well-kept grounds, granting
wishes from the guests for special renditions of old Mexican favourites.
Wine and beer was available in great quantities and the wonderful variety of
delicious food, provided by Lein’s Catering Service – took care of the
"inner person", (to be politically correct). Among the many
special guests were "Nina & Mike" – who had performed at the
Donauschwaben Club recently and of course Manni Daum, who later on joined
the Peter Beck, Matt Lebar and the Mississauga Express ensemble, to look
after the entertainment for the rest of the evening. 
Another
guest from the southern part of Germany was Werner George, who entertained
with some fantastic trumpet solos this afternoon.
As usual this party was a great success again and one of the
summer’s highlights for the German community.
While I am on the subject of parties, I should mention the
annual "Summer Fest" that the remaining members of the German Club
Harmonie celebrate on the Harmonie farm property, about 25 km west of
Orangeville. Participation was great – they ran out of
"Bratwurst" quite early in the afternoon. But it was nice to meet
and reminisce with some of the old-timers that are still around. Needless to
say that there are not too many of the old guard left.
"Club Picnic" at the Hansa Haus
The
annual "Club Picnic" at the Hansa Haus was well visited also. Some
of the attractions were the great music, by Albert Diddges and his helpers
plus some wonderful food. Leberkäse, Bratwurst & Sauerkraut plus corn
on the cob, dipped in butter, as well as coffee and cake for dessert.
Choices of beverages included beers and some of the harder stuff for the
"non-designated drivers".
It always amazes me how well these unpaid functionaries
solve all those many problems inherent in an event of this nature. They do
not have their wonderful kitchen facilities or the convenient bar facilities
at their disposal. Instead they have to "rough it". They did this
masterfully though, as usual. 
The
weather held out quite well and many of the guests were able to connect with
old acquaintances, or renew old friendships. The many volunteers that looked
after all those little problems connected with an event of this nature
should receive 
kudos.
Thanks people, for a job well done!
Come to the EX…
…they
said, and I went. Even though the CNE seems to be pretty much the same every
year, it really is not!
One of the first displays I visited was the new Canada 2000
Pavilion, in the Automotive Building at the Princes’ Gates. The many
displays offer a look at Canada’s history from past to present.
Of special interest to me was the mock-up of the "Skycar" , a flying car that is presently being developed by Canadian-born Dr. Paul Moller. Resembling the Jetson’s family vehicle, the skycar will have vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and will cruise up to 400 MPH. (Shades of the Harrier) It also features the "Wankel" engine that was developed by Felix Wankel in the 50s and for a while utilized by Mazda in one of their vehicles. But since this engine – with only one moving part – apparently didn’t break often down enough, its use was discontinued for no apparent reason. But it hasn’t been forgotten entirely!( Website: www.moller.com)
Another interesting project in the field of aviation was the
"Ornithopter". This vehicle is supposed to fly like a bird by
flapping its wings. I have seen a model do some incredible performance on
the Discovery Channel recently, and now I am waiting to see the full size
aircraft flap itself into the sky. I am still a little sceptical, since
there is quite a bit of weight involved - in the drive-mechanism and the 24
HP engine - and I am not yet sure how they are going to solve the
fatigue-factor caused by the stresses on the airframe and the flapping
wings. But I am going to keep on top of this development. (Website: www.ornithopter.net)
Speaking of flying, I of course took a 5-minute helicopter
ride around the EX to take some aerial photos. A small hole in the plastic
window made it possible, and it was worth the 25 bucks.
The "Transportation" theme area featured the
contrast between vintage automobiles, such as the first Canadian-built Ford
Model T and the latest in the gas-electric hybrid vehicles.
There is also a 50-foot working model rail exhibit and a full scale model of the "Silver Dart" – the first aircraft flown in Canada – the "Jetliner", Canada’s first commercial jet and a 30-foot replica of the nose section of the "Avro Arrow" – that, thanks to John Dieffenbaker, never made it into production.
Other technological inventions included the interactive "Intelligent Robots" display, which featured Canadian-made robots that walk and interact with one another, and a display on "Canada’s role in space" that included a full-scale replica of the Canadarm.
Another
well-visited area was the "Canadian Trivial Pursuit Challenge" on
the main stage, where contestants could test their knowledge of Canadian
trivia for opportunities to win fabulous prizes.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces demonstrated and explained the workings of anti-personnel landmines – of course without any real explosions – plus a number of military vehicles, and a cannon, were also on display.
Always very impressive is the "Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show" that showcases spectacular logrolling, underhand chopping and axe-throwing competitions. But what impressed me most were the animal figures, created by these lumberjacks, with only the aid of a chainsaw. Simply wonderful!
There
really was lot to see at the EX this year. Obviously much too much to write
about here. If you were there, you know that already, if not, try next year.
I think it is worth the price of admission.
And here a P.S.: The carnival – or Mardi Gras – season is closing in on us, and the G.K.G. Narrhalla 58, in Hamilton, is looking for young ladies to dance in their "dance guard". Any age from 6 – when you may not want to reveal your age – is welcome. Some of the girls have left the group to fulfill other obligations (marriage, family growth etc.) so there are always openings available, now more than ever. This is a fun, fun, fun thing to do, and the carnival society will teach and support the new girls. Call the club at (905) 549-0513 or Hugh Turner at (905) 679-0086 and enjoy the famous German carnival as never before. (And you do not need a German background either!)
As always, Dick Altermann
Comments to: dick@echoworld.com
