Fanfaren Corps
If you are interested in becoming an active player but don’t have any musical background, there is no need to worry, as the Spielmannszug not only supplies, but also teaches you the instruments at weekly practices!! The musical instruments that the Fanfarencorps performs with are: Fanfaren, Fifes, Drums (snare, bass and Landsknecht), Lyres, Hunting Horns (Jagt Horn) and Cymbals. Most of these instruments come directly from Germany and have changed little in the last 100 years. The Fanfaren Corps has traveled to Las Vegas, Minnesota, Chicago and Cincinnati for performances. Locally you can see the Fanfaren Corps at German Fest, 4th of July Parades, Schwabenhof Father’s Day Picnic, Oktoberfests as well as all of the events that the Spielmannszug sponsors.
The Spielmannszug not only patronizes strictly German events, but has also participated in many other community functions. Over the years we have participated in such events as the City of Festivals Parade, Holiday Folk Fair, Germantown Lions Club Parade, Oktoberfests, and many area 4th of July Parades. Parades are just a small part of the other important events we have been a part of. You can also see us at the annual Deutscher Tag (German Day), which is held at Carl Schurz Park in Stone Bank on the 2nd Sunday in August. This is a fundraiser event for the Kulturvereinigung’s Saturday German School , which many of our members children attend. For more information on joining, contact: [email protected], Cell # 414-264-0468 (Carl)
Tanzsterne
Die Tanzsterne is a girls dance group that was formed in February 2002. They have been performing for the Milwaukee Spielmannszug Karneval seasons ever since. The highlights for this group include performances at German Fest in Milwaukee and the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas to perform at GAMGA (German American Mardi Gras Association) Ball. The group has grown and is now divided into “Minis” , “Juniors” and “Seniors”.For more information on joining, contact: [email protected]
Prinzenpaar
Since Karneval originated as the mocking of royalty, of course we must have our own Royal Couple or Prinzenpaar ruling over their ‘subjects’ (anyone who comes to our events).
The Prinz { Seine Tollität } and Prinzessin { Ihre Lieblichkeit } are crowned at the start of the season in November, and rule until Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). They also have a Royal Court or Hofstaat.
Kinderprinzenpaar
Same as the above mentioned, with the exception that our Kinderprinzenpaar has their own celebration, Kindermaskenball, usually held around the last Sunday in January. Hofstaat
The Royal Court consists of the Hofmarschall (the Prinz’s Grand Marshall), the Adjutant (the Prinzessin’s Attendant), the Hofdame (the Maid of the Court), the Schutzman (the Policeman), the Narr (the Court Jester), and the Mundschenk (Toastmaster and keeper of the wine).
Prinzengarde
Die Tanzsterne (translated the dancing stars, our 3 dance groups) accompany the royal couple when they march into the hall at our events. They also help the Prinzenpaar pass out candy and flower boutonnieres.
Elferat
The number 11 plays a significant role in Karneval, and it is especially noticeable with our Elferat (Ministers). These are former Prinz’s who are now represented as ministers for the Prinzenpaar. They lead the royal couple into the hall at our events. They are the ones in the black tuxedos, wearing a single feather in their hat (which represets that they were a former Prinz), and having a beautiful Prinzenkettung hanging around their neck (their personal Orden from when they were the reigning Prinz).