Franz Klaber
Music has always been a big part of my life, from singing in the church choir to piano, violin, and trombone lessons. As a child I can't remember a day we weren't listening or playing some kind of music. There was always music, either my sister playing the piano (far better than I ever could), to my father practicing, to the band practices at our house, music was always a part of my life. Bob Menche, the drummer, would help me play the drums as a child and it was terrific experience. Taking lessons from Mr. Hamilton, a trombonist who played with the Sousa Band and who was a perfectionist helped direct me along my path as a trombonist and instilled in me the discipline and passion to perform. The first time I ever played in the Orchestra I was sitting right next to my teacher, boy was I nervous and did I ever make mistakes, but even with that inauspicious start, I was encouraged by my father and my teacher to continue and to keep at it. After high school, I enlisted in the Army. After basic training I was stationed in Germany and auditioned for the 2nd Armored Calvary Band. I made it and had 3 years of great duty. One of our main joys was to attend as many fests as we could and from attending these fests, I learned alot about the true meaning of "Gemeutlichkeit" and how it translates to providing music that everyone can enjoy. At the end of my hitch I came back home and once again started playing in the band. After Dad's death, it seemed as if we where always changing personnel, music, searching for an identity, and because of personnel changes, we started the group over from scratch. Enter my little brother, Bill, on sax, Dan Perrine on drums,and Ed Frey on trumpet and things where never the same after that. They brought a new feel to the group, respectful but yet a bit impatient to try things a bit differently. While I didn't know it at that time that was really the beginning of today's Klaberheads. While we still play some of the same music Dad did, we also have come to realize in order to hold the crowds attention we must do something they can relate to, hence our parodies. We have a very talented & dedicated group, always trying different things & ways to entertain our audiences, and if it weren't for our wonderful fans and supporters, there wouldn't be any "Klaberheads". Thank you for helping make us The Premier Fest and party band in Amercia today. And now, with Erika Klaber (my daughter) in the group, I am sure that the "Klaberheads" will easily make it to 100 years of continuous musical entertainment.....who knows, with the third generation already showing lots of interest, this group could go on well into the the next century! That would really be a hoot and quite a tribute to my Dad who came to this country in 1930 with nothing but a steamer trunk and an undying love for good, Gemuetlich music.
Bill Klaber
I literally grew up with the Franz Klaber Orchestra. As a young boy, I can recall sitting in front of the band stand and listening to my Dad and the group play at all sorts of functions. I could hardly wait to play in the group myself! I got to sit in with my Dad's group at age 12 because one of the saxes was going to be late. Even though I hit lots of clunkers, I was hooked. It wasn't until I was 16 that I became a regular and despite a 4 year sabbatical, I've been with the group ever since. This is family! We have fun, we are keeping a musical tradition alive and we are honoring our Dad and Mom who sacrificed alot for us and instilled in us a great love for music and for having fun. I have enjoyed seeing the group evolve into a great party band that reaches all generations. Our week gig at Disney World had to be one of the great highlights. I think every job is fun and I really enjoy bringing "happy music" to our audiences. We have some outstanding musicians in this group and even though I still hit some clunkers...........I am still hooked!
Erika Klaber
I had been waiting in the wings all my life for the day that I could play in this band. Actually, I've been hearing the band ever since utero since my Mom would play the accordion right against her belly. This band is definitely part of my genetic make-up--it's in my blood! I made my singing debut at the age of 7 by singing "Elvira" for an aunt's wedding. I became a playing member in 2001. But steel drum? I really like carving my own path! I can't imagine my life without the influence and friendship of the members (past & present) of the FKO. After the band played at Epcot Center in 1984, I knew what my life's path would be. In addition to playing with the Klaberheads, I am a music teacher for a local school district. My children, Emily & Thomas, are Klaberheads in training. I am certain that they will continue with this musical tradition.
Angie Wallace
I have been a part of the FKO off and on since the early 70’s. I left the band in 1990 and rejoined the group in 2002. I have seen the FKO go through many changes. I started out playing the accordion and in the early 80’s switched to keyboards. This transition helped the group broaden our range of music, allowing us to play not only German music but also top 40 and big band arrangements. I have enjoyed playing all the Oktoberfests, our week at Epcot Center, Florida, and all the Hofbrauhaus gigs in Covington, KY. But I would have to say that the biggest thrill of all is playing next to my daughter, Erika. Erika and I have also joined forces (www.esotericwomen.com) and now provide traditional or contemporary music with unique instrumentation for wedding ceremonies and dinners, corporate parties, and other special occasions.
Robb Horton
In the summer of 1986, I was just out of college and taking an intermission break from playing alto saxophone with the Hamilton summer park concert band when Franz Klaber approached me and asked me if I would like to audition to play in his band. I had heard of the Franz Klaber orchestra and seen them a few times as a child playing up at the courhouse on the 4th of July; I was very honored and excited that they asked me. I went for an audition and before I left that night I was asked to join the band. I started out playing alto sax and a little flute, and singing a few harmony vocals here and there. I soon dug out my clarinet and learned the clarinet polka, and not long after that I started bringing my guitar and strumming along on a few tunes. Not long after that Angie found
a song for me to sing, "So Far Away " by Dire Straits. I did not have much solo singing experience or confidence at that point, but she was really encouraging and helped me find that confidence as a singer. When Bill took a hiatus from the band in the late '80s I started singing many of his songs and sharing duets with Franz (like "To All the Girls I Loved Before" and "You've Lost That Loving Feeling") and Angie (like "Always" and "Mad About You"). At that time I started arranging some songs for the horn section of the band. It has been exciting to see the band grow as we developed that full Klaberhead sound you hear today.
I have learned much in my time with the band; that entertaining comes before playing music, and we are there to play for the crowd and entertain them, they are not there for us to indulge ourselves. Unable to quit my day job, I work in pre-sales for a software company. I have three kids; Carrie and Alex who both play several instruments and have played with the FKO, and little Sammy who says he wants to be a Klaberhead someday. I consider the band as family to me, and I will always be grateful to Franz and Angie for bringing me into the band, and I know that being in the band has helped make me who I am today.
Ed Frey
It has been both an honor and a privilege to be associated with this high energy fun group for nearly forty years. I began playing trumpet in the FKO while in high school and through my college years. After a tour in the Air Force I rejoined the group in 1974. Some of my most cherished memories were our performances at Disney's Epcot Center and Minster Oktoberfests. For me, the greatest reward of playing is seeing happy smiling faces enjoying our wide variety of tunes.
Garey Carson
I've played in the FKO band on and off since the 70's and have been a regular since 1988. The first gig I played was at Queen of Peace with Angie on accordion circa 1972. I have many pleasant memories of being a part of this unique group, among them: our national following at Zinzinnati Oktoberfest including a woman from Buffalo, NY and a group of Steelers fans that wandered into our tent and returned for several years. Minster...what an experience! And I have pictures to prove it! Closest I will ever be to being a rock and roll star. You just have to be there to know what we're talking about.
Rick Canter
As a freshman in the Ross High School Band, I met Erika Klaber. Erika brought me to my first gig to experience the Franz Klaber Orchestra. I even got to play trumpet for a few of the songs! So, even though I didn't officially join the group for another seven years, I guess you can say I've been a Klaberhead since 1993. In the fall of 2000, I got a call to fill in for some Oktoberfests and have been playing with the group ever since. My first gig was in Minster, Ohio, home of the wildest Oktoberfest- what a way to dive in!
Besides playing trumpet with the Klaberheads, I am the director of bands at Finneytown High School, the Chancel Choir director at John Wesley United Methodist Church, and a graduate of Bowling Green State University. I am happily married to my lovely wife, Kellie, and we have a beautiful daughter, Lily, born in June of 2004.
Darin Newcomer
I began playing piano at the age of 5 when my feet didn't even reach the pedals. At age 11, I picked up the trombone. My older brother played trumpet and my younger brother, the drums. The three of us took private lessons and were "made" to practice an hour every day. ("Thanks, Mom.") I grew up in West Virginia and was honored to have the opportunity to perform with the W.Va All-State Band for 3 years. I studied trombone at West Virginia University. ("Go, Mountaineers!") After college, I spent 8 years working for Baldwin Piano. After moving to Cincinnati, I joined a band called Sounds Unlimited playing keyboards (with Greg Botos, on drums). After I had been with the group for 3 years, a new female singer named Kim joined the band. After a while, we began dating and later married. Greg Botos was the best man at our wedding. Six years ago, Greg asked if I could sub on keyboard with this German band he played with. I never realized a band could be so much fun! Two years ago when Angie returned to play keyboard, I was happy to move to trombone along side Franz. I also perform with the Lindenwald United Methodist Praise Band, Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony, Hamilton Concert Band, Jack Carr Big Band, and with my lovely wife, Kim. Music has and always will be a big part of my life. Both of our children (Sarah & Adam) are also performers. Being a Klaberhead is a real honor. Not only are the performers great musicians, but also the fellowship is wonderful. Where else can one go to a rehearsal and have a spread of food and fabulous door prizes (chosen especially for you)? The talent and growth of this band continues to amaze me. I am so glad to be a part of it.
Mark Engel
Wow! What a wild ride this has been since I subbed in the winter of 2004 and became a member in August of 2005 ! I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Wichita State University and graduated in 1982 with a music education degree. During my time in Kansas, I marched in several drum and bugle corps for a total of eleven years. After graduating, I was fortunate enough to land a position as a marching band consultant in the United Kingdom in 1984. I lived outside London, England for eight months all the time instructing marching bands. From there, I got a call from Miami University to become the assistant marching band director while I worked on my Masters Degree.
In 1986, I became the Director of bands at Hamilton high school in Hamilton, Ohio. I now am a general music teacher in the Hamilton city school district and having a great time! I have known of the Franz Klaber Orchestra and have known many of the members for around 20 years. I had the pleasure to have taught all four of Bill Klaber's children, so I heard of the band through them. I had heard the band several times in the past and thought what a great time they are having and wished I could play along side of them. When Bill finally gave me the call, I jumped at the chance. This is the most fun I have had playing my trumpet since my college days. Not only are all these guys and gals crazy and fun to be with, they are also dedicated musicians and it shows in the quality of performances we all do. What a pleasure it is to finally be a Klaberhead and I hope I am one for many years to come! I want to thank my wonderful wife Kelly and my three children - Jonathan, Chase and Nicholas for letting Dad go out and play his trumpet.
Dick Roemer
Hey! I have been playing percussion since the 4 th grade. I played in the Ross High School concert, marching, and jazz bands and received the John Philip Sousa Award for Music Excellence. After graduation, I pursued a career in music education at The Ohio State University. At college I performed in the OSU Concert Band, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. I have studied with Dr. William Albin, Dr. Tim Sivils, Fernando Mesa, and Dr. James Moore. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from OSU. I later attended Miami University and received my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I currently am employed as the band director at Ross High School. Go Rams!
Throughout high school and college I have always played drum set in rock and jazz bands. While in college I had the opportunity to record a CD and tour England and Wales with the Kings Way Singers.
Personally I am from a very German family who ran Roemer's Hardware in Lindenwald, Ohio for most of the 20 th century. My mother was our church organist and was a big influence on music in my life. I live on a small farm in Okeana, Ohio with my wife, Terri and have an awesome little girl - Autumn.
Currently I perform semi professionally with the Hamilton Civic Theatre, the Rotary Rebels, The Hamilton Fairfield Symphony Orchestra, and the Marimba Connection of Oxford.
I am having a wonderful time playing with the Franz Klaber Orchestra. The repertoire is very diverse which I think makes the band unique. We try to perform our music at a high level of musicianship while at the same time making it a fun and entertaining show.
Tim Cornelius
Adam Rau
Associate Members
Andy Brough
Ron Purvis
Greg Botos
Jim Schengber