♪ 2020 NOTES ♪

When we talked about publishing our annual newsletter this year, it seemed more of an exercise in futility, or should we say frustration.  Normally, you would get a multi-paged newsletter with writings from both Presidents, the choir Director, the Membership Chair, and more recently the brass band Director.  We would all tell you what a great year we had last year along with some of the things we did, and invite you to come check us out this year.  So here goes:

Last year we hosted our Bock Beer Fest in March, and the band played a few times.  That pretty well sums up most of our activity for the year.  We would never have guessed, in March, that we would even have to cancel our popular Weihnachtskonzert in December.

Okay, there was a little more to it than that, but not much.  The band was able to play for a meeting of the Indiana German Heritage Society as well as for the virtual St. Nikolaus Fest at Christmas time.

We said goodbye to two ladies who were very important to the Liederkranz.  Anne LaPorte was instrumental in starting the Indianapolis Liederkranz Damenchor, and she was their first President serving for ten years in that office.  She always greeted everyone as “Dahling” and was known for her Marlene Dietrich like voice.  Christel DeHaan was a very important supporter of the club.  Both will be missed.  We should also tell you that one of our few remaining German immigrants in the men’s choir, Ernst Sacher, passed away in January of 2021.  He will be greatly missed as well.

The very good news is that, thanks to a large anonymous donation and a COVID relief grant from the Indiana Arts Council, we did not suffer financially.  We are now most concerned that if we are to suffer because of the pandemic, it will be because people have gotten out of the habit of participating as singers, bell ringers, horn players, audience members, etc. and our attendance may drop off dramatically when we are able to meet again.

So, what can you do?  We’re glad you asked.  If you have been a member, renew your membership.  Dues are still only $25.00 for a single and $50.00 for a family.  If you aren’t a member, please consider joining.  You can renew or become a member thr0ugh our membership page, or by mailing your check to the Membership Chair at Indianapolis Liederkranz, 1417 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201.

If you are a member, consider how you might become active in the club (taking tickets at the door, helping in the kitchen, helping with yard work, etc.).  You don’t have to sing or play an instrument to do that.  If you are interested in becoming active through one of our musical groups or in some other way, email us at info@indyliederkranz.org and someone will contact you.  We’re not rehearsing right now, but we will be in the fall if all goes well.  Check back here for updates.

At our annual meeting, we reluctantly agreed that we shouldn’t plan a Bock Beer Fest in March, or any spring concerts.  But, our Summerfest picnic at German Park is scheduled for Saturday, August 7^th this year.  Let’s make that a celebration.

Cliff Chandler, President,  Indianapolis Liederkranz     
Margit Ball, President, Indianapolis Liederkranz Damenchor   
Loesje Chandler, Director, Choirs and Bell Choir
Jeff Westfall, Director, Brass Band

At this year’s national Sängerfest in Peoria, IL, our very own Loesje Chandler was awarded the Menhart-Pescenye Award of Merit by the North American Singers Association (Nord-Amerikanischer Sängerbund).

This prestigious, once-in-a-lifetime award, was first given out in 2016.  Since then it has been presented anually to an esteemed member of the NASB.  The Award can be presented to singers or directors of the NASB.  The recipients of the Award are recognized for having made a substantial contribution to the NASB, advancement of German-American cultural singing, and preservation of German-American traditions.

Per the guidelines, “The purpose of the award is to recognize that individual deemed to have made noteworthy contributions to the field [of] choral music and leadership.  Such contributions may include the expression of new ideas, the creation of new choral groups, the development of better techniques, or substantial efforts, which have led to further improvements in the NASB, or outstanding service to the profession of music, as evidenced by successful efforts in the educational, social, or administrative processes affecting the NASB.”

We are so very proud of Loesje and are thrilled that she has been recognized in this way.  Her desire to try new things, push people to be their best, and keep the heart and spirit of German-American heritage alive and well inspires all those who are lucky enough to know her.  She is an amazing musician, instructor, director, and friend.  Well done, and well deserved, Loesje!