Once More with Oom Pa Pa

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

Feeling both Tuetonic and musical? Then it’s time to unleash your inner German and check out the Palisades own Oom Pa Pa Band. This onomatopoeic ensemble was established in 1975 by Sandy Schaefer and Gene Romig of Sunset Real Estate, and is still going strong and loud.

For those who need clarification (there’s no shame), Oom Pa Pa is a style of rhythmical Bavarian music that employs brass instruments. Various members have rolled through over the years. Attorney Mark Eisenberg started leading the band in 1982 and still enjoys active membership today. His wife Marla is taking over the managerial reigns, and their teenage children have been playing in the band since they were 4.

Numerous Palisadians have enjoyed a long tenure with the band. They have played many shows, including the Fourth of July Parade, Susan Love’s Walk with Love, St. Matthew’s Church Festival, Oktoberfest at Corpus Christi Church and events at the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club. Every year in December, the band plays for Santa Claus’ arrival.

This year, the Oom Pa Pa band is on the prowl for new members to join them for the 70th Grand Anniversary Fourth of July Parade. “We are looking for people to have fun and play their favorite instruments,” Marla told the Palisadian-Post.

Typical instruments utilized in Oom Pa Pa bands are the clarinet, accordion, trombone and tuba. Members do have to supply their own instruments, but they have triangles for people who don’t play one and still want to march.

“New recruits can be music students, neighbors, friends, family, anyone of any age who wants to be part of a great event,” said Marla. Marla added that they’re also looking for people to carry their banner and flags at the parade, which might be a good opportunity for non-musically inclined folk.

There are no joining fees or dues. “Just pure fun,” in the words of Marla. Practice sessions are scheduled for every Saturday in June, 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.

For more information or to sign up, interested parties can contact Marla at meisenberg310@gmail.com. They have a Facebook page under “Oom Pa Pa Band.”