The Zeitreise Project took place between 2014 and 2019 at the Stuttgarter Musikschule (Stuttgart School of Music) under the direction of Dave Mason, who taught clarinet and saxophone there. The project developed out of the mandatory class recitals during which his arrangements of popular songs were also performed. Parents and students encouraged more such arrangements.

The accompaniment for each piece was realized on the computer so that it sounded like the original song. During a performance the student would wear headphones which played a click to help with synchronizing with the playback from the computer (the audience only heard the playback). That made it possible for the student to practice with the playback and mixed-in click at home, as well. That also cut down on rehearsal time since the ensemble preparation already began at home.

When the first Zeitreise recital took place on June 29, 2014, the concept of the project was set:
• each concert would have at least one song from each decade starting with the 1960s,
• the accompaniment would be played by the computer over loudspeakers,
• the students would wear headphones in order to synchronize with the playback,
• the student would be able to practice with the accompaniment at home,
• bass and drum parts would be played by the computer so that the accompaniment remains “tight”,
• the arrangements would be specially written according to the ability of each musician,
• all the arrangements would be covers (no entry admission, no recordings),
• there would always be students from other teachers involved.
For the first recital, students of other teachers performed vocal, trumpet, bassoon, and trombone parts. The project’s concept remained unchanged throughout its duration.

Since the parts were specially designed for each student, it was possible to have advanced as well as beginning students perform in the same piece on equal footing, which is not practical in traditional ensemble work. The interaction and camaraderie between the students was rewarding for all involved.

In the beginning Dave Mason used speakers from his home studio. Later he purchased a professional speaker system for the larger halls. The more students in a piece, the more equipment was necessary: headphones, headphone amplifiers (so that the loudness could be individually set), cables. The largest ensemble was a symphony orchestra for the “Zeitreise Plays Film Music” concerts. There was no technical support from the Stuttgarter Musikschule.

The “Zeitreise Plays Film Music” concerts were rehearsed and conducted by Alexander G. Adiarte (director of the Jugendsinfonieorchester (Youth Symphony Orchester)) and other ensembles. His City Center string orchestra made up of hobby string players served as the foundation for the project. Out of the original idea of arranging film music for that string orchestra plus wind players grew a complete symphony orchestra which included students from the Jugendsinfonieorchester in a supportive role (they didn’t play first chair), members of the music school’s symphonic band as well as Jugend Musiziert national music prize winners. All enjoyed performing famous film music under expert direction. An unforgettable experience.

The Zeitreise Project’s statistics at a glance:
• 13 concerts,
• 164 young musicians,
• 41 different instruments,
• 162 composers/composer-collaborations,
• 140 compositions,
• 46 other music school teachers,
• 7 concert venues, all in Stuttgart.