worthwhile, more and more bands formed around 1830, so that the travelling area had to be extended as well. In the beginning, they travelled mainly to areas where many Germans lived as emigrants or migrant workers, and came as far as southern France or Spain. The number of passports issued for international travel increased from year to year. The Bavarian state government - the Palatinate had been part of the Kingdom of Bavaria since Congress of Vienna - became aware of the growing number of musicians. However, since it was alleviating the economic hardship in the West Palatinate, it was decided not to take action against it. Only school-age children, who accompanied their fathers or relatives more and more often, were banned from travelling. Heyday From 1850, it was increasingly trained musicians who played in the bands. The bands now travelled all over Europe and also went overseas - Asia, Australia, Africa and above all America were worthwhile destinations. Everywhere, they were known as "Mackenbachers", even if they came from other places. Mackenbach was, however, a typical musicians' village; at times a quarter of the population was musically active. The number of musicians and bands grew steadily. In 1909 alone, 1,043 wandering musicians were identified from county of Kusel on the basis of passport applications. At that time it was possible to travel to some countries without a passport - in England only 100 gold marks and a valid employment contract needed to be shown - it is assumed that at the turn of the century around 2,500 musicians were on tour every year. Over time, the musicians became more professional and the standard of training improved. In English seaside resorts, wealthy citizens spent the summer months. The West Palatine musicians were welcome there, as long as they adapted to the increased demands of the audience. In order to be engaged by the baths and spas, their usual street clothes had to be exchanged for uniforms and contemporary pieces of music by well-known composers had to be included in the repertoire. To communicate with employers and officials, at least the conductor had to speak foreign languages. Hubertus Kilian, for example, spoke English and French and understood Italian and Spanish. There were also bands that travelled on foot from place to place through the emigrant regions and played in town squares, but the proceeds from street performances alone were lower. Those