"Let There Be Music," a song which we have performed many times, is our theme. From our humble beginning in 1880 with 46 men, we have grown into an active singing society of 50 members, in this our 128th anniversary year. It was and remains the primary purpose of our chorus to promote interest in German and American culture with music and song.

Way back in 1885, a spring and fall concert were held, and then after joining the North American Sängerbund, we took part in the Sängerfeste in various cities across the nation. Many directors have come and gone over the years. Our fiftieth concert with 90 men took place at the Elmwood Music Hall. Guest societies also took part in this celebration. It was in this same year that the Buffalo Evening News opened its own radio station, WBEN. It was our first national hook-up concert.

The original name of the chorus was the Schwäbischer Sängerbund, which in the early 1940's was changed to the Schwäbischer Männerchor because of World War II. All proceeds from concerts during the war years were donated to needy persons in Europe. In 1965, under the direction of Peter Gorecki, who remained our director for 25 years, and with the addition of the ladies, we became known as the Schwäbischer Mens and Ladies Chorus. Together we have witnessed our development into one of the leading ethnic singing societies in Western New York.

Our motto: "Wo man singt, da lass' dich ruhig nieder; böse Menschen haben keine Lieder" This simply means where there is singing, one should join in; angry men have no songs to sing.

In 1980, under the leadership of Karl Grimm, an extensive concert tour of Germany was undertaken. It was an exhilarating experience for all 55 members who participated. Many new friends were made and our concerts were well received. It was enjoyed so much, that in 1983, under the able direction of Jack Trenchard, we returned with 85 singers. Both times the chorus stayed in private homes in the host cities. This gave us an opportunity to become very familiar with our hosts and they with us. The realization that Americans and those of German descent were successfully keeping German culture alive in the U.S. was very important to the citizens of Germany. Several of our singers have been active for over 50 years and at one time we had three generations of a family singing at the same time.

The Buffalo Schwaben Chor as we are now called, has performed over seven times in the Lancaster Opera House and has been a guest chorus in Toledo and Youngstown, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in Midland, Ontario. When invited, we perform at nursing homes, churches and various other functions. We also have a Christmas party in December and a "Mystery Ride" during the summer.

In June of 1997, we traveled to Utica to compete in the triennial New York State Sängerbund competition, the Sängerfest. For the fourth time, we proudly took first prize in the mixed category, the ladies competed for the second time and were successful in taking first place and in 1997 we also took the trophy for most points. In 1995 the Spatzen Kinder Chor was formed with 32 children and the hope that they will ensure that our heritage will continue for a long time.

In June of 2000, we were honored to host the New York State Sängerbund Sängerfest here in Buffalo. The Spatzen Kinderchor performed to a standing audience as all of the singers from around the state marveled at their performance, mouthed the words as the children sang, recognized their heritage and tradition, and nearly brought the roof down after each song.

In June of 2003, we traveled to Kingston to compete in the New York State Sängerbund Sängerfest. The Buffalo Schwaben Ladies Chorus, proudly took the first prize trophy.

In June of 2006, we traveled to Binghamton to compete in the New York State Sängerbund Sängerfest. The Buffalo Schwaben Chor proudly took the first prize trophy in the Mixed Chorus 1st Class competition and the Ladies Chorus, proudly took the first prize trophy in their division.

Every successful organization relies on competent leadership, but without cooperation and hard work from its members there can he no success. Fortunately, we have had both. Not only are we brought together to sing, but we are also a close-knit group of friends.