We are a German Oompah Band. We play a lot of traditional German Oktoberfest style music including many waltzes, marches, and polkas. We also have many original arrangements of less traditional popular songs including The Chicken Dance, Super Mario Polka, The Sound of Music, Sweet Caroline, and many more. We provide a light hearted and fun entertainment for all ages. We are an ideal group for festivals, parties, weddings, and restaurants. We can have an alphorn player accompany us for outdoor parties if requested.
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Write a reviewPrice range: $700 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
Unions: AFM
We are an acoustic ensemble, so for small events and restaurants we do not need a full sound system- Especially if we are indoors. We do have a microphone for speaking so we can introduce our songs and read German toasts, but require the party coordinator to provide a larger sound setup if needed.
A small dance floor in front of our group is nice for audience participation dances (ie: Chicken Dance, Happy Birthday, Dance Competitions)
Typically an hour is considered a set. We can play 2 or 3 sets in a gig, but don’t usually do more than that due to chops getting tired. We are happy to have an hour break between sets, but no more than 1 hour break in a 2 set gig, and 2 hours in a 3 set gig. We are willing to negotiate set lengths and breaks according to the needs of our employer.
We can have an alphorn player accompany us on request.
I started this group based off a group I played with in Boise Idaho before moving to Park City. As an orchestral musician, I loved getting the opportunity to play silly and fun Oompah music every October in restaurants in Boise. After moving to Park City, I decided I might as well start a group here to spread the Oompah fun with my fellow classical musicians! I have truly enjoyed expanding our traditional books with arrangements of songs I think would fit our group and would be audience friendly. Also in this category are songs that I just want to play :). Here is a little info about our members. On occasion, I have to hire a sub, but this is our core ensemble.
Erin Voellinger (me):
Clarinet-Principal Clarinet, Ballet West Orchestra (Former Principal Clarinet, Boise Philharmonic), Substitute clarinetist for the Utah Symphony. Park City High School woodwind technician
George Voellinger:
Trumpet-My husband (thanks for the German last name honey!) Master in Music Performance, Northern Colorado, Bachelor in Music Performance, Florida State, Member of the Park City Brass Quintet, Lift Mechanic at Park City Ski Resort.
Chris Taylor:
Trumpet- Park City High School Director of Bands, Member of the Park City Brass Quintet, Member of Insatiable Live, Utah Wind Symphony.
Steven Hunter:
Trombone- North Summit High School Director of Bands, Ballet West Orchestra, Utah Symphony substitute.
Mike McCawley
Tuba- Utah Symphony and Ballet West Orchestra.
Alphorn- On Request
-We will need sound equipment provided for large festival environments.
-A space between us and our audience is required to protect ourselves and our equipment from accidents. Either a stage, or an open space in front of us.
-We play with music stands and will provide our own.
-We prefer to have lighting provided, but can bring stand lights if given advance notice.
-Chairs or an area to sit during breaks need to be provided.
-Heaters if playing in cold weather need to be provided.
-Canopy or tent for protection from the elements need to be provided.
Sunday
SnowWeisn
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Snowbird Oktoberfest
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday
Midway Swiss Days
5:40pm - 6:10pm
German Classic Waltzes, Polkas, Marches
Pop music often played at Oktoberfest events
Audience participation songs for all ages (Chicken Dance, Baby Shark, Happy Birthday…)
I am constantly adding new arrangements, so please feel free to request a recent repertoire list.
We are most similar to a Midwest style German Oom-pah Band. The books we pull our traditional music from are:
Alford's Hungry Five in Germany (1931, out of print) gazebo band style Oom-pah music full of German classics.
German Band Encores by Carrol Butts (1979, out of print) similar to the Hungry Five music, many classic Oktoberfest songs.
We also like to play fun and recognizable music, like songs from The Sound of Music, Que Sera Sera, songs by Billy Joel and the Beatles, and of course, Sweet Caroline.
Canopy or tent if outside
Porch heaters if outside and below 60 degrees
Lighting unless given advance notice to bring stand lights
Sound system for big events
Polka Band
