HSG-Big Band

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1 History
2 Current status
3 Current Members
4 Discography

[edit] History

The HSG Big Band is the student's big band of the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It's repertoire consists mostly of funk, rock and swing-era jazz.

Fans at the Open Air St. Gallen crying out for more

The HSG Big Band was founded 1985 by Christof Reutlinger, a former student of the University of St. Gallen and band leader of a Swiss Army band, who still runs the HSG Big Band. The rest of the band management (president, vice president and CFO) are elected on a yearly basis.

The band has developed constantly over the years. Whereas in the early years, Glenn-Miller and Benny-Goodman-style swing was the primary musical focus (also mentioned in the early catchphrase "Swinging Yuppies"), nowadays a broad musical spectrum is pursued, ranging from modern funk arrangements of Tower of Power to rock and roll pieces. At the same time, the geographical coverage has increased. The early "University entertainment" strategy has been replaced by nationwide coverage, with occasional gigs in Germany or France. The HSG Big Band plays at local venues, such as the St. Gallen concert hall, the not totally drug-free Grabenhalle St. Gallen or regional as well as national city festivals. It even starred at the Open Air St. Gallen in 2004, the biggest Open Air of eastern Switzerland.

Instrument-wise, the band is open to experiments, and the classical big band setup has long been expanded by a variety of instruments, including flutes, percussion, two electric guitars and synthizers. As a matter of fact, the amount of amplified instruments is so large that the band necessitates a medium sized truck just to move all their equipment.

[edit] Current status

Nowadays, the HSG Big Band has become an established band in both the local scene as well in Eastern Switzerland. It is also noted for its well organized, somewhat alcoholic parties.

Recently, the band created it's first spin-off, a four-person jazz combo called "Les Spasmolytes", more focused on easy-listening, blue-note style jazz than the more heavy style of the full fledged band.

[edit] Current Members

Christof "Ford" Reutlinger, conductor: The most senior member of the band is known for his accurate and passionate directing; merchandising profits from cross-selling and co-branding with the worlds oldest manufacturer of cars, Ford.

Dom "Janine" Schönenberger, drums: Coming from eastern Switzerland, Dom is known for his many rural acquaintances, as well as for his tractor-inspired solos.

Marc "Dr. Dü" Deuber, guitar: Doing many things nobody understands (like playing funk in a swing piece, or getting an officers rank), Deuber is the cornerstone of the rhythm section (or at least the only one clearly able to play a chord with more than one #).

Fabian "Schaer" Schaer, piano, synth, org and other stuff: In earlier times, pianos used to be non-amplified. Now they are. Bad luck.

Christian "He-man" Hemmi, drums: Yet another guy from Switzerland's "Wild East", Chris is known for his kicks both on- and off stage.

Lukas "Hogan" Fässler, bass: Luke improved terribly over the last years, no being able to cut his of tune-chords to four bars. Otherwise, he fulfills about every prejudice there is around about bass players (cheap car, long hair, to name just a few).

Kilian "Kill-masta" Meyer, baritone saxophone: Deep sounds are the main area of action of our "veteran" in the saxes register. Nobody knows when he plans to finish his studies, but as long as he stays with the band, nobody cares, either.

Matthias "S." Stettler, saxophone: His solos are as aggressive as his communicative behavior. Likes to dress up as a chicken as a peacocking measure.

Marco "Fondue" Genovese, saxophone: Easily able to combine Funk and Swing, but having difficulties in combining Fondue and beer, Marco is also known for violent driving.

Benjamin "Beni" Stengl, saxophone: Although coming from the least popular canton, Beni has become a long time member of the band, which not necessarly helps his popularity.

Urs "Crucker" Krucker, saxophone: Former president of the band and lead soloist in the sax register, Urs has recently re-joined the band, and acts as a back-up for Christof during his absent time.

Philipp "Boxer" Maier, saxophone: Coming from Switzerland's least popular outpost (Germany), Philipp has quickly established himself as the bands vice-president, as well as getting a notorious reputation in St. Gallen's hot spots.

Andreas "Walter" Mattig, trumpet: Known for playing well and talking scarcely, Andreas is a seasoned veteran who has seen much, or maybe even too much.

Linda "Lindi" Morgenthaler, cornet: One of the few cherished female members of the band, Linda is clearly able to match or best other members in terms of playing, bragging / talking or drinking.

Roland "Gina" Wild, saxophone: Although not as famous as his sister, Roland has been around for some time, and attracts female members as well.

Janine "Janine" Hoehener, saxophone: There have been so many misunderstandings concerning Janine and a same-named jacket.

Anja "Buesi" Hotz, flute: As a kitty cat, Anja likes to be pet and it is so cute when her nose wiggles when she plays the flute or talks to boys. And she used to wear a magnificent belt.