Founded in 1897, the original male chorus of the Deutscher Schul- und Gesangverein (School and Singing Society) became inactive in the 1930's. In 1973 a handful of members joined together contemplating about the idea to re--establish an active chorus. This time a mixed chorus, ladies and men combined. Non-members were also invited to join the chorus.

 

Mr.Willi Lemcke, a former conductor of the Bayerischer Saengerbund of Brooklyn living in retirement nearby, served as the very first conductor. (The Christmas party of 1973 here in Germania Park became our first concert). Year by year the chorus kept up the good work and intentions.

 

Although struggling financially and always in need of more singers, by the 10th anniversary in May of 1983 the chorus was able to really go public with a grand concert in the Morris Knolls High School Auditorium with 40 singers. This big step to the H.S.auditorium was only possible through the leadership of Anton Probst and Johanna Teubner.

In 1977 the chorus joined the Northeastern Saengerbund of America (NOSB) during the presidency of Paul Elischer. Since 1979 some of our members of the chorus participated in all the tri-annual National Saengerfests of the NOSB, as well as the annual German Heritage Festival in the Garden State Arts center. During the Christmas season we have been visiting and singing in some of the community centers for Senior Citizens.

The highlight of the year is our annual concert in the H.S. auditorium, sometimes with a guest chorus from out of state. Another interesting concert was the one when we had the male chorus from Seis am Schlern, Northern Italy (Sued Tirol).

As for the future, we will continue our dedication of fostering German Song, music and heritage. Our next chorus will be on Sunday, May 7th, 1995 in the Morris Knolls H.S. (..this was written in 1995 on the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of our Club "Germania Park". May 23rd, 4pm Morris Knolls High School )

Hopefully we will see you at our next concert; better yet, why not join us in the near future and sing with us the songs of the great European Masters.

Anton Probst