Founded on September 11, 1945, the association originated from a merger between ‘Harmonverenteeniging Kunst after work’ and ‘Workers music association Voorwaarts’. The association threatens to fall if a new chairman will not be found for the general members’ meeting next month who will pull the cart. From a legal point of view, an association without chairman cannot exist, and the current chairman, Eelco van der Heide, reports that as a 74-year-old he will really put down his duties after eight years.
Eelco plays trombone in one of the three orchestras of the association and has been a member of the association for 62 years. “I have announced it several times, but this time I really stop. The responsibilities are great and it is intensive,” says Eelco, who still hopes to play as a normal member for a few years in one of the three orchestras of the association.
Hard ticking for older members
The association currently has only 70 members, which puts pressure on finances. Eelco points to the high costs of the Harmonie building, which is in poor condition. “Of every hundred euros that we pay at heating costs, seventy euros disappears through the roof,” he explains. This financial pressure and the declining number of members has led to a gloomy vision for the future for the association.
“Especially for the older members it is particularly painful if the plug really needs to be pulled out. They lose their hobby, and will probably no longer become a member of another association. They will lose their families a bit.”
Heap
But luckily, in times of crisis there is a spark of hope. Eelco reports that some interested parties have presented themselves to help with the search for a new chairman. “Now that it is slowly but surely realizing that it is really on or under it for the harmony, people are moving.”
Anyone who feels called and thinks he can have chairman capacities can register. “Someone does not have to be a musician, but must have an affinity with wind music and be enthusiastic,” he explains. Eelco sincerely hopes that the 80th anniversary of De Harmonie in September can be a big party. Interested parties can report to the board via e -mail address Main board@IJmuiderharmonie.
Radio documentary
A moving radio documentary has also been made by radio maker Jan Maarten Deurvorst about the situation at the IJmuider Music Association, who plays a trombone in one of the orchestras of the IJmuider Harmonie. In the documentary ‘The Last Volunteer’ Deurvorst paints an atmospheric image of famous history of the IJmuider Harmonie and the meaning of the music association for the community of IJmuiden. The documentary can be heard via this link.