The music association Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V. from Jena in Thuringia, which includes the Brass Band BlechKLANG, the 2018 German Second Division National Champion, and the successful Jugend Brass Band BlechKLANG, the current German Youth Brass Band Champion has stated that it may face an uncertain future due to the long term effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

With four brass bands catering for musicians of all ages the association has been working for many years to develop a successful brass band culture into their part of Germany. This has seen links with leading brass band tutors, players and conductors.

Future in doubt

However, they now believe that the current crisis has out their future in doubt, with Dr. Ulrich Richter, Chairman of the Board telling 4BR: "We wanted to start planning for our 50th birthday in the next few weeks, which we will celebrate next year, but due to crisis we do not know whether we will even exist then.

Concert and project cancellations have reduced our income to zero, while at the same time our running costs remain unchanged. Due to our non-profit status, we have no reserves to bridge the gap. Our continued existence is extremely uncertain."

Due to our non-profit status, we have no reserves to bridge the gap. Our continued existence is extremely uncertainDr. Ulrich Richter

Crowdfunding

All hopes are now resting on the crowdfunding campaign #MitKlangaus, which the club has launched on the startnext portal.

Under the link https://www.startnext.com/mit-klang-aus-der-krise anyone who wants to help can easily donate any amount.

Help

Alexander Richter, deputy chairman of the board and MD of the Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena e.V added: "We hope that many people will help us so that around 300 active musicians of all ages will keep their musical home and so that we will still exist in the post-Corona period!"