The Fort Wayne Männerchor-Damenchor 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 260-747-2592 Nate Bratton, President The Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor is the second oldest German singing society in Indiana. It traces its history back to the founding of the Fort Wayne Sängerbund on October 4, 1869. By 1898, there were eight singing societies in the city which eventually consolidated under the name Concordia Gesang Verein. In turn, this society became the Fort Wayne Männerchor.
	The choir has been a member of the North American Sängerbund since 1871, and joined the Indiana District at its founding on September 5, 1897. In November 1974, the choir joined the Southern Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana District, successor to the old Indiana District. The Männerchor/Damenchor is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of German heritage as expressed in choral music. The award of the Zelter Plakette in honor of its centennial year takes notice of this, and was awarded by Germany in recognition of our effort to preserve and promote German culture in America. Among the several societies in our district, the Männerchor/Damenchor is one of the few remaining that still performs all its music in German. While many members are German natives, newer singers are second and third generation Americans with an interest in knowing more about, and participating in, German cultural activities through our club. One does not have to be German to be a part of the choir's activities. We also try to keep German language alive in conversation, around the bar, and in various educational activities. Since 1982, the Männerchor/Damenchor has maintained an active role in the annual Germanfest. Besides being a member club of the Germanfest Committee, we also sing an annual Germanfest Concert which opens the festival activities each year. You can also hear members of the club singing joyfully around the bar in the beer tent. The Männerchor/Damenchor is directed by Jeffrey Manns, and rehearsals are held every Thursday evening from September to June. Singing in the choir does not require an audition, but it does require a love for singing, and a love for things German, including FUN. If you are interested in becoming a part of our organization, please send an e-mail to Jeffrey Manns and he will give you any information you might require. Back To Sponsors Page Back To Home Page
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