Borchen. Since it was re-established in 1950, the Drummer Corps Kirchborchen has done a lot. In order to keep up the club spirit, many joint events such as retreats, rehearsal weekends or the summer party open to all friends are organized. In 1994, however, there was a very special excursion – the musicians from Kirchborchen took part in the Steuben Parade in the USA. It is the biggest celebration of German-American friendship.
The German-American Steuben Parade is a traditional parade held every year in the metropolises of New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. The parade was named after Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian general who emigrated to the USA in 1777, revolutionized the army there and played a key role in the American War of Independence under George Washington.
Since 1994, the drummer corps has taken part in the Steuben parades in various cities five times and then traveled around the country. After the last trip ended with a tour through the Midwest in 2017, the sixth trip to America is now scheduled for September 14th to 26th. After taking part in the Steuben Parade in New York, the Canadian border is crossed after a stay in Boston. After stops in Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Huntsville and Niagara Falls, the drummer corps will fly back via Toronto. Among the 50 participants are active minstrels, their partners and friends of the club.
Lyres must be carried as special baggage
“Of course, carrying out such an extensive club trip requires a lot of planning and organization,” says Lennard Thiele from the drummer corps. In addition to the general formalities, such as ESTA registration (visa-free travel), joint activities on site and participation in the parade would have to be agreed with those responsible. As a special feature this time, the Kirchborchener don’t carry drums and kettledrums as special luggage, but get them from a rental company in New Jersey.
The drum corps also take part in the Oompah Festival at Plattduetsche Park, Queens. “The financial burden also poses a challenge: drums and kettledrums are hired, the lyres have to be carried on the plane as expensive special luggage due to their individual pitch. We are therefore all the more pleased that we have found a total of 20 sponsors who support us with small and large amounts,” said Thiele.
More information at: www.trommlercorps-kirchborchen.de.
2023-09-06 16:15:00
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