History of the Schwaebische Maenner Chorus

Naturally, it required a great number of dedicated and devoted singers and supporters to continue throughout the decades of the previous century up to the present. 

The origin of the Schwaben Male Chorus actually predates 1934.  A very dedicated group of singers had joint together to form a double Quartett by the name of "Liederkranz".  It's members were Viktor Balluff, Karl Hasselwander, Paul Loeffler, Hermann Otto, Hermann Reichert, Christ Steudle, Hermann Steudle and Berthold Schwarz.  The meet on occasion to practice and enjoy the songs they knew from their homland before coming to America.  The enthusiastic and cheerful meetings of the Liederkranz soon won the group many new friends and supporters.  Albert Dengler, then the president of the Schwaben Unterstuetzungsverein, invited them to perform at the clubs Christmas Party in 1933. Their performance of Christmas Songs and also other German folk songs was greatly enjoyed by the visitors.  As a result, a very close friendship evolved between the Liederkranz and the Schwaben Unterstuetzungsverein.  Eventually, in 1934, the members of the Liederkranz became members of the Schwaben  Unterstuetzungsverein and changed their name initially to "Schwaebische Saengergruppe".  During 1934 a sizeable number of members from the Unterstuetzungsverein joined the Saengergruppe which grew the size of the choir to the respectable number of 24 active singers.  Subsequently, officers were elected and the singers group was officially recognized as a formal chorus.

The first rehearsal commenced in January of 1934 in the Triple Link Hall under the newly elected director, Victor Balluff.  The first public appearance followed in April 1934 with a performance at the 85th Kommers of the Harmonie Chorus.  A truly great success by the newly formed chorus was achieved on May 5th, 1934, when the very first Spring Concert was performed.  From this date forward, the chorus performed at many occasions and in various functions throughout the decades, up to the very present.

In 1935 the singers decided to change the name of their chorus from Schwaebische Saengergruppe to "Schwaebischer Maennerchor". On November 20th, 1937, the membership of the Schwaben Male Chorus decided to separate from the Schwaben  Unterstuetzungsverein to become a independent group.  However, a close and friendly relationship between the clubs remained.

In the years and decades that followed, the Schwaben Male Chorus became well known and enjoyed many successes with their concerts, guest performances and also performances of plays.  Even during the somber years of the second world war, the rehearsal continued on a regular basis.  Concerts and other performances were well attended even during those years thanks to a very supportive and appreciative attitude by the German emigrant community. 

A listing of past and present Presidents as well as Music Directors is available by clicking the respective link.