Almost 34 years of Thomas Braun at Schule Schloss Salem and Salem Kolleg - 34 years full of musical highlights, from Christmas concerts to elaborate musical productions as part of the ASV meetings. When Thomas Braun was not in the spotlight with his protégés from the orchestra and, more recently, the choir, he was rehearsing with them week after week, tirelessly, patiently and ambitiously. It was not uncommon to find yourself facing Thomas Braun's menacing pistol-shaped fingers after a mistake, only to be relieved by his resounding laughter the next moment. Having a joke on your lips at all times without losing sight of the success of the pieces is certainly a difficult task at times. Thomas Braun, however, managed the balancing act between pleasant light-heartedness and precise musical demands. In this way he has repeatedly succeeded in making music accessible to young people and bringing together music lovers of all ages, instruments and musical styles.

Almost 34 years of Thomas Braun at Schule Schloss Salem and Salem Kolleg - 34 years full of musical highlights, from Christmas concerts to elaborate musical productions as part of the ASV meetings. When Thomas Braun was not in the spotlight with his protégés from the orchestra and, more recently, the choir, he was rehearsing with them week after week, tirelessly, patiently and ambitiously. It was not uncommon to find yourself facing Thomas Braun's menacing pistol-shaped fingers after a mistake, only to be relieved by his resounding laughter the next moment. Having a joke on your lips at all times without losing sight of the success of the pieces is certainly a difficult task at times. Thomas Braun, however, managed the balancing act between pleasant light-heartedness and precise musical demands. In this way he has repeatedly succeeded in making music accessible to young people and bringing together music lovers of all ages, instruments and musical styles.

It was particularly fitting that his farewell was celebrated with a concert in which the orchestra was enriched not only by the current students, but also by many former musicians from Thomas Braun's creative period. All the graduating classes from 1991 to 2023 were represented, and some of the alumni travelled long distances with their families to make music one last time under Thomas Braun's guidance. One string player even flew in from South Korea! Such a powerful attraction testifies to the strong musical pedagogical influence of Mr Braun's work with the orchestra. An influence that obviously goes far beyond graduation.

The Salem Coir, the Überlingen Madrigal Choir, also under the direction of Thomas Braun, the active orchestra musicians from the student body and colleagues, as well as numerous alumni, created not only an opulent picture on stage, but also an impressive, full sound. For the last time, Thomas Braun shone in his role as choir and orchestra director, performing pieces by artists such as Mozart, Schubert and Jenkins, international gospel pieces and musical excerpts from Les Misérables. The audience applauded thunderously from their seats, from the stairs and from the balustrade - for the musicians, but most of all for the star of the show: Thomas Braun. We wish him all the best for a future full of music and valuable encounters.