CELEBRATING 55 YEARS!
Bernie’s Orchestra was officially formed in 1967 with 3 young musicians who wanted to perform German-American dance music. As the times have changed, so has the band, which has gone from the 3 original musicians to a talented and diversified 5-piece ensemble. The melodious sounds we create are a combination of accordion, percussion, guitar, trumpet, trombone, saxophone (soprano, alto, and tenor), clarinet, flute, baritone horn, and alpine horn. And, don’t forget the vocals!
Over the years the band has performed for all types of affairs, Clubs, restaurants, weddings. We were honored to perform at the United Nations and Met-Life buildings in New York City. Our German roots shine when we play for traditional German Schuhplattler dance groups and choral groups.
Special highlights: Entertaining the German yachtsmen participating in the Tall Ships ‘Operation Sail’ for the nation’s bicentennial celebration, in 1976, in Staten Island, NY. Representing the nationwide German-American community in Washington, D.C. for the Smithsonian Institute’s Festival of American Folk Life in 1983. Featured at the former Garden State Arts Center , currently PNC Bank Arts Center,on the main stage at the very first annual German Heritage Day celebration in 1974! Continuing to play for many German Heritage Festivals. German festivals throughout the Northeast.
The band is very proud of their production of albums and CD’s. We started with ‘Wunschkonzert’and ‘Blowin’ the House Down”. Most recently the band can heard on ‘BERNIE’S ORCHESTRA – DAFUR MACH MA MUSIK’ and ‘BERNIE’S ORCHESTRA’.
We have been successful in this entertainment field thanks to the many appreciative audiences who support the clubs, churches, organizations and festivals. You were there when we began and continue to support us year after year. Without you there would be no history to speak of. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to you all!
Look at the photos and see where we have been and what we have done!