Background

In late 1977, Morris Wiemken formed the Bavarian Brass (as a successor to a former band called the German Americans).  This band consisted of Morris (trumpet) Mark Stockman (trumpet) and Ron Ehrman (cordavox & accordion), and Tom Henry (drums).  In their early years, Morris also played cordavox along with  Ron's accordion for a few songs each night, having fun with "dual accordions".  However, the majority of the night, and to this day, they harmonized with the dual trumpets.  The band played for weddings, parties, festivals and public dinners.  They became very popular in Northwest Ohio, playing at all the area festivals, including, Hamlerfest.  They also played one year at Frankenmuth Summer Fest and then two years at the Civic Center in Saginaw, MI for the Harold Midas Fest.  The first year they chartered one bus, the second year required an additional bus and the third year, they filled three buses for this event.  "Bavarian Brass" still plays in the Northwest Ohio area.  Many of the past festivals have dissolved and many of our friends have passed away, but our same sound and style still keep going. 

The band has performed along side Eddie Blazonczyk, Dick Pillar, Jimmy Sturr and many others.  Jimmy Sturr presented Morris with a shirt just like his (open to the navel)after one of the dances.  After 10 years, Ron Ehrman retired and Mark Stockman moved out of the area, so Bob Spitnale moved back to Ohio and joined the band.  Several Trumpet Players then played trumpet  for  a few years.  After Mark, was Dan Brandt, from Napoleon.  Dan moved away and then Dave Randazzo from Leipsic joined.  Dave went to Mississippi and Duerk Van Brussel joined.  Duerk went to Chicago and then Tom Swaysgood from Findlay joined the band playing trumpet, so then Bavarian Brass continued with Morris Wiemken and Tom Swaysgood on trumpet, Bob Spitnale on Accordion and Tom Henry on drums. 

Just this past October (2007), Tom Swaysgood got quite ill and Mark Stockman, formerly of Partytime, was asked to come back to Bavarian Brass.  Mark said he would like that and he is now a member (once again) of Bavarian Brass.