Municipal Harmony of Leers, the main steps
1804
Happy by the success of BONAPARTE elected to the dignity of Emperor of the French, four musicians, bugles and drums, progressed through the streets of the village by running marches. At their communicative enthusiasm came to join other musicians who had together, the idea of founding one group of music that evening. Thus was born May 19, 1804, the Municipal Harmony today.
1820
Participation in the first music competition organized by the city of Tourcoing, August 27th where the Municipal Leers Harmony won the second prize.
1857
On July 19, the company Philharmonic LEERS organized a music festival which she opened with the participation of many companies, it found many companies musical Belgium.
1875
On 13 February, music Municipal LEERS, officially took the title of the Philharmonic Society common LEERS, it is declared as such in the prefecture.
1904
On 14th August, the municipality of Leers presented a major international festival of music: Harmonies, brass band and bands, on the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Municipal music of Leers.
A very strict rules had been planned for this event, which included 56 companies assigned to districts with Leers, different times and many works to be performed (2 per company).
1914-1918
On the eve of the war Harmony Municipal counted 50 performers. 12 of its members fell to the field of honor.
1929
Municipal Harmony actively preparing its 125th anniversary, which took place as planned on 22th and 23th June.
1945
Life took its rights after six years of inactivity due to the event, Harmony is reconstituted gradually.
The kepis had been requisitioned by the municipality at the beginning of the German occupation were returned to the company as costumes and instruments
1949
Municipal Harmony hosted a major music festival on 10th and 11th September. Harmony counted 70 performers.
1954
This year would be marked by grandiose celebrations on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the company, not less than 12 companies would participate in music these days anniversaries of 24th 25th and 26 July
1962
With the events in Algeria, Harmony was deprived of some 7 of its components since 1956.
1969
On 11 October, ballroom concert took place on the 165th anniversary of Harmony with the assistance of the Orchestra de l'ORTF de Lille under the leadership of Mr Maurice SUZAN.
1979
June 16th was inaugurated the exhibition of the 175th anniversary of the Municipal Harmony.
1983
Birth of a barrack in music composed mainly of young musicians, and musicians of Harmony.
2004
The Harmony prepares to celebrate its bicentennial.
With its 200 years of existence, it is the oldest companies Leers and certainly one of the oldest in the North.
A strict discipline, with financial sanctions
Of all time, the activity of bands demanded the sake of strict discipline, guaranteed by any financial penalties.There is, however, surprised to see how wealth of detail a group of amateurs might attach ago over a century, and until after the Great War.
On March 15th, 1891, the Philharmonic Society of Leers adopted a regulation consists of thirty-eight articles, which was submitted to the approval of the prefect and the formality of the recording. The organization and operation of the corporation are subject to the provisions careful. Notably, each musician is committed for five consecutive years by signing the settlement and paying in the month, a contribution (five-year) from 25 francs. It pays, in addition, 50 cents per month "to meet the expenses of the company." A majority, the musicians of the president, the Director and Deputy Director, decide exits and on the admission of new members. The Director may, for legitimate reasons, providing blanket of absence.
There are many articles which provide for penalties, mainly fines and damages. The result is an impressive list, in an ascending order of gravity, and can be presented:
A fine of 10 cents:For the musician "after which the stage three strokes of cash given."
A fine of 15 cents:For those who contradict "the director when any commission a piece."
A fine of 25 cents:In case of delay in a rehearsal;
For those arriving at the rehearsal "without her notebooks"
For any member who "abandon the ranks during an outing."
In case of not present
The musician who, "When you receive the new music," will not "copied" on his part, the fine for each half late.
During a quarrel between members, and to those who do not immediately cease at the first warning of the director.
A fine of two French:"Against any member who did not report to a meeting ordered, or to receive a foreign music, or to make a sortie in the municipality or outside", or "that do not fit with an upgrade";
In the absence serenade given on the occasion of the marriage of a member, or absence at his funeral;
For those who strike during a quarrel between members.
For those who, outside of the company, holding off the outside of the municipality.
The damages in the amount of twenty francs
If, without a valid reason, a member retires for the duration of his five-year commitment, with an additional ten francs if, during that time, he joined running another company:
If excluded for "conduct shame society."
This regulation, we can certainly find equivalent courses in other municipalities, was, with a break during the German occupation of 1914-1918, in effect until spring 1920.The association then decided to continue with the statutes of a new character, under the name Municipal Harmony of Leers.
The 10th Ferrain forum
This tenth edition was dedicated to the music and songs.
The bands, symphonies, choral constitute a heritage dear to the heart of people in the north of France.
Born in the patriotic fervor after the French Revolution, harmonies have survived over the centuries and generations.
The Cultural Forum's Ferrain is held on Saturday 24th and Sunday, November 25th, 2007 at Linselles Leers and History was present to present the Harmony Municipal Leers.
