The Swiss Farmer Band was originally founded in 1993 by a group of Swiss immigrants most of whom, as the name implies, were farmers or involved in farm related businesses. The goal of the founding members was to continue the European brass band music tradition in their new homeland. 

Today, the band of around 20 members has diversified and now includes Swiss, German and Canadian musicians alike. They practice weekly in Listowel or Milverton, Ontario, and come from all over southwestern Ontario to do so -- from Cambridge to Moorefield and from Blyth to Grand Valley. 

Their lively mix of traditional Swiss, German, and concert music can be heard at various functions throughout the year including, of course, the Swiss National Day Celebration in Monkton, the Christkindl Market in Kitchener, and their annual fall concert and dance held in November of each year in Milverton. 

The band is always looking for enthusiastic players to join the fun (we may even be able to find an instrument for you). If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining, please feel free to contact us! 

If playing isn’t for you, you can also become a supporting member by donating funds for new music or instruments. Any help is truly appreciated! 

To see what we’re up to and where we will be you can follow us on our  Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SwissFarmerBand/ or touch base with Andy Rechsteiner (our president) at swisshillfarm@cyg.net or by calling 519-291-1717. 

Our current members include: 

Jim Glasser, Conductor 

Sandra Rechsteiner, Flute 

Elaine Luymes, Flute 

Imelda Ruest, Clarinet 

Katie Girt, Clarinet 

Andy Rechsteiner, Flugelhorn (President) 

Fritz Egger, Flugelhorn 

Josef Huber, Flugelhorn 

Werner Thüring, Trumpet 

Margreth Signer, Trumpet (Secretary) 

John Schmidt, Alto Horn 

Markus Eigenherr, Alto Horn 

Antje Hurlburt, Alto Saxophone (Treasurer) 

Vreni Tschudi, Alto Saxophone 

Arnold Egli, Tenorhorn/Baritone 

Walter Pfaeffli, Tenorhorn 

Franz Kissling, Tenorhorn 

Peter O’Reilly, Trombone  

Ralph Schmidt, Trombone 

Werner Ruttimann, Tuba 

Dieter Morell, Tuba 

Maribeth Fobel, Percussion