ZUG, SWITZERLAND — The New Glarus Jodlerklub was in Switzerland last month to compete in the Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest held in Zug. The New Glarus Jodlerklub was proud to be the only American choir of 500 competing groups. The three-day festival, which attracted 150,000 spectators, had choirs coming from all over Switzerland as well as Germany, Canada, South Africa, Japan, and Korea.

During their trip, the Jodlerklub also traveled to Glarus, from where the colonists of New Glarus originated 178 years ago. Despite so many years between them the delegation for Wisconsin was warmly received with a reception of traditional music and fellowship. The New Glarus Jodlerklub was presented with a four-foot-long wooden watch by the members of the Heimatchörli Ennenda, another yodeling club in Glarus. In return the New Glarus group gifted them a plaque to thank them for their continued friendship, and another plaque from the New Glarus Village Board was presented to the city of Glarus. 

Members of the Streiff family enjoyed reconnecting with their Swiss relatives and connections were made with the Hörnli-Schuppel, a yodeling group which was an inspiration for the Silvesterchlausen celebration in New Glarus every January. The group was also led on private tours of the Läderach chocolate factory in Glarus and the Appenzeller Alpenbiter distillery in Appenzell.

“It was a great experience and I am thankful to our friends in Switzerland for being so wonderful and welcoming us with open arms,” said Andy Schulz, Music Director for the Jodlerklub. 

The New Glarus Jodlerklub hope to host their Swiss counterparts for a Wisconsin trip in the near future. Those interested in joining the Jodlerklub, can email newglarusswissmusic@gmail.com.