The cheeky maestro: Roland Ströhm brings a breath of fresh air to Waiblingen!

The cheeky maestro: Roland Ströhm brings a breath of fresh air to Waiblingen!

Roland Ströhm, a creative and unconventional spirit in the music scene, leads the symphonic wind orchestra of the Waiblingen Municipal Orchestra (STOWN) as conductor. With a charming smile and a touch of cheek, he describes himself as a “wild growth conductor”. At the age of 66, the Eislingen native has had a long musical career behind him, which began with his passion for the clarinet.

Ströhm is not only active as a conductor, but also previously worked as a department head in a city administration. This diverse experience not only gave him a different perspective on music, but also encouraged his creative side. A conducting course offered by the brass band association opened his eyes to the fact that the formal approach was not his strength. Instead, he concentrates on the essentials: the music.

The symphonic wind orchestra and its repertoire

The symphonic wind orchestra is the largest musical department of the club and is considered a real flagship. With around 60 musicians, it offers a wide repertoire that includes both original works for wind orchestras and arrangements of classical works. Film and musical melodies as well as light music are also an integral part of the programs.

The orchestra's musical talents are also reflected in the variety of ensembles that develop from the wind orchestra. These include an Egerland ensemble for popular light music, a brass quintet for celebratory occasions and a tower brass group that performs at the Waiblingen Old Town Festival and on Christmas Day. Interested musicians can contact us at blasorchester@stown.de Sign up to take part.

Rehearsals and on-site engagement

The orchestra's rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. in the auditorium of the Staufer-Realschule at Mayenner Straße 22 in Waiblingen, except during school holidays. Here the musicians have the opportunity to refine their skills and prepare for upcoming performances. Ströhm's commitment is also reflected in his role as a clarinet instructor at workshops at state and district levels, where he passes on his knowledge to the next generation.

Looking back on his long career, which was shaped by his membership in the Baden-Württemberg State Wind Orchestra between 1981 and 2000, Ströhm gained a lot of experience as a conductor with the Ottenbach, Süßen and Gammelshausen music associations. Since November 2000 he has been the musical director of the Waiblingen Municipal Orchestra and brings his personal touch to every rehearsal and every performance.

The passion with which Roland Ströhm leads the orchestra is obvious and is not only great fun for his self-satisfied audience, but also for the audience. ZVW reports that in his role as a conductor he is doing penance and bringing a breath of fresh air to the classical brass music scene with a touch of playfulness and unconventionality.