One of the great brass bands of Europe is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its formation this year.

Successful

Brass Band 13 Etoiles was formed in the autumn of 1973, and since 1977 has been conducted by the great Geo Pierre Moren. It comprises leading musicians from the best village bands in the Valais area of Southern Switzerland.

They are the most successful contesting band in Swiss banding history, claiming no less than 12 National titles, 9 Swiss Open victories and numerous domestic and European titles, and have been a podium finisher at the European Brass Band Championships on four occasions – including runner-up in 2009.

Videos

To mark their 40th birthday the band has produced a number of celebratory videos, written, directed, shot, edited and posted on the internet by two band members — Pierre-Alain Steiner (former percussionist) and Jocelyne Moren (solo horn).

Ideas

They told 4BR: "All the musicians, conductors and close supporters take part in the project by appearing in the different videos and submitting ideas for the new ones.

It is a work in progress – as we know exactly what the content of the first few videos will be, but it will change according to the different (and sometimes unexpected) events of the banding season!"

All the musicians, conductors and close supporters take part in the project by appearing in the different videos and submitting ideas for the new ones13 Etoiles

New video each week

A new video will be posted each week on the band’s website in what they hope will be an innovative way of connecting with their fans and supporters all over the banding globe.

Trailer

The trailer is already online; you can watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvqPU3MNFkU