a new chef to set the tone

He is only 27 years old and already has four bars on the epaulette of his Thionville Fire Brigade Band uniform. Perhaps he is also the youngest conductor in the history of this formation, born in 1920. His name: Romain Stephan. The master sergeant propelled commander last October took the baton of the boss, following the death of the late Jean-Claude Auburn, in June 2021.

What is your career path within the Music of the Firefighters of Thionville?

Romain STEPHAN : “I started music in 2004. Then I joined the drums-brass band at the bugle desk. Then I joined the conservatory of Thionville, where I played percussion. Afterwards, it was the flute desk at the Harmonie and a bit of baritone for the ceremonies. I have always been faithful to Thionville in short. »

How was your appointment made?

“Following an external and internal call for applications, I was chosen by the city’s cultural department and by the mayor. Because the Music of the firefighters of Thionville depends well on the City. It has close ties with the Thionville rescue center and the Moselle departmental fire and rescue service, through its history of course, but also because we wear the uniform of firefighters. It is a privilege and a pride. »

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Exactly, how many musicians are still firefighters?

“Three only, two volunteers and a retiree. On the whole of the formation (drums-band and harmony), which counts approximately forty-five musicians, it is very little. Our workforce has become a little younger in recent years, but it is not enough. We are looking for musicians to fill out our desks with flutes, clarinets, trumpets… In fact, all harmony instruments. »

What are your goals ?

Maintain the Music at a good level, maintain the quality, diversify its repertoire, breathe new life into it, raise awareness among young people to come and join us, increase the number of staff if possible and increase the influence of the Music of the firefighters of Thionville. We are also giving our traditional New Year’s concert on Sunday, January 30 at 3 p.m. at the Théâtre municipal. Admission is free, all you have to do is withdraw your seat at the Theatre.

If you want to join the ranks of the Thionville Fire Brigade Band: tel 06 80 07 80 00.

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