A long tradition in the Oderstadt has come to an end quietly and (eerily) secretly: the SSV PCK’s marching band ended its work at the end of 2020, and for a few days an “obituary” by the former marching band leader Jens Pfeiffer was posted on the website of the Association.
The first training sessions took place in 1974 in the Breite Allee training barracks (the club’s new dance hall is there today). At the end of the 1990s, a new training facility had to be found due to its dilapidation. The PCK provided modern, soundproof rooms at the entrance to the refinery. In 2015/16 the marching band moved back to the SSV club grounds.
Leipzig and Munich were also venues
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In 1988 the GDR championship was held in Schwedt
From 1974 the Spielmannszug quickly made a name for itself under the direction of Bernd Neumann. In 1979, Wolfgang Schreiber took over the full-time position, and after reunification, Jens Pfeiffer headed the marching band from 1991. The number of members rose again to over 50 children and young people. Participation in state championships and the brass music festival in Angermünde were often used to motivate and improve performance. From 2010 to 2020, Mary Bartel led the marching band.
“The highlights in the club’s history were the organization of the GDR championships for young players’ marches in 1988 and the state championship in the Oderstadt in 1999,” remembers Jens Pfeiffer. Later on, the company’s own Christmas, spring, New Year and anniversary concerts were always well attended. At first the room in the cosmonaut was sufficient, but later had to be avoided in the boxing hall. “
Decades of self-sacrificing voluntary work
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Finally, Jens Pfeiffer once again acknowledges the great voluntary commitment over all the decades: “The marching band would not have been so successful without the often self-sacrificing work of the many trainers. You can’t thank them enough for that! ”Particularly committed parents also founded a support association on the occasion of the state championship in Schwedt.
SSV PCK would be ready for a fresh start
“The marching band leaves a big void in the city’s cultural life. The musicians had up to 50 performances a year! Events, fairs, openings, anniversaries and pageants now have to do without their musical framework. “Pfeiffer ends with a hope:” Perhaps one day people will be found who will remember this tradition and continue the legacy of the marching band. SSV PCK … would support such a project. One thing is certain: the marching band lives on in many minds and hearts of former minstrels and the citizens of Schwedt. “
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