A meeting with Denis RICHARD from Steige to talk about music and folklore with the "Joyeux Steigeois". Music Director of the orchestra since 1983, he passionately presents the history of this group which has been serving local music for over a century.
The beginnings of the "Joyful Steigeois"
From the end of the 19th century, the music society, the oldest association in the village of Steige, was very active. Officially called "Harmonie Sainte Jeanne d'Arc" in 1923, it performed mainly at patriotic, military and religious celebrations.
A revival in the 1980s
In 1980, the orchestra adopted a new name: "Les Joyeux Steigeois" (The Joyful Steigeois). This more contemporary name reflected the orchestra's renewal, marked by the arrival of a new music director, Denis Richard. The group also changed its musical style, shifting towards performing at popular events (dinner dances, wine festivals, etc.) and offering a more varied repertoire: marches, waltzes, tangos, paso dobles, and sambas.
An amazing
The 1980s and 1990s also brought new adventures for the orchestra, which first recorded a cassette with a sound engineer in a Strasbourg studio (those nostalgic for the genre will know what we're talking about, and for younger listeners… thank goodness for the internet!), followed by two CDs. These were wonderful times for the group, who made the recordings in the valley and all the mixing in studios in Germany.
A troupe of merry fellows
Currently, the "Joyeux Steigeois" orchestra has between 16 and 18 experienced musicians from all over the Villé valley, but also from slightly further afield: the Bruche valley, Sélestat, Scherwiller, and Wittisheim. The ensemble consists of trumpets, baritones, trombones, clarinets, saxophones, keyboards, drums, and a singer.
The music director, Denis Richard, is always on the lookout for new pieces to enrich and refresh the orchestra's repertoire, which is also a source of motivation for the musicians. Currently, the repertoire comprises 250 to 300 pieces. Each year, a new program is developed with approximately 80 pieces: a mix of new works and older pieces that haven't been performed for some time.
Particular attention is paid to each section of the orchestra to ensure a beautiful overall harmony and avoid imbalances. Each instrument must be showcased, which is why Denis Richard seeks out pieces where all sections are given prominence.
Renewing the musicians: a challenge
With an average age of 53, the "Joyeux Steigeois" are looking for new musicians. Even though the group functions wonderfully, it is essential to pass on the tradition and think about the future.
A musical background is obviously necessary to join the orchestra. A minimum of 4-5 years of musical training (music theory and instrument) is required, followed by a 2-year integration period within the orchestra before performing, with one rehearsal per week, on Tuesday evenings. The "Joyeux Steigeois" do not offer musical instruction.
How can I contact them?
The "Joyeux Steigeois" orchestra brings good humor and passion to all types of events: aperitif concerts, village festivals, etc., while also participating in various patriotic commemorations (July 14, May 08, November 11).
Feel free to contact them for more information:
Jean-Philippe DERENDINGER, President: 06 71 62 93 25
Denis RICHARD, music director: 06 82 19 30 79 / denis.richard4@orange.fr
© Denis RICHARD