German military music looks back at centuries of military tradition. Acting as a link between armed forces and society, it has much more to offer than just military marches. Since 2014, all ensembles of the Bundeswehr Military Music Service have been combined under one roof.
As part of the Bundeswehr Joint Support Command, the Bundeswehr Military Music Service contributes to events within and outside the Bundeswehr, presenting diverse styles of music in a wide variety of instrumentations. Basically, the Bundeswehr Military Music Service performs three tasks. The greatest importance is placed on support to the armed forces. This includes the musical accompaniment of solemn pledge and change of command ceremonies as well as the provision of support to Bundeswehr personnel in theatre.
Ceremonial protocol services for foreign heads of state and government and senior military representatives are also on the agenda. In its third task, the Military Music Service is employed to maintain relations with friendly nations and to represent the Bundeswehr at major events abroad. It is also possible to experience the individual bands or the Big Band of the Bundeswehr in Germany, for example, at charity concerts or public events which all citizens are always welcome to attend.
Military music is an integral part of the armed forces. It does not only stand for cohesion within the military community, but also demonstrates it to the outside world. The individual formations of the Military Music Service are called bands. The bandwidth of their musical skills and artistic expressions is reflected in the different ensembles such as wind orchestra, chambre music ensembles or the Big Band. The regional bands are assigned to the services and therefore known as Air Force, Army or Naval bands. However, all musical units of the Bundeswehr and their musicians at the same time are part of the Bundeswehr Joint Support Command.
Bundeswehr Military Music is an important link between the armed forces and the population, both nationally and all over the world. Some Bundeswehr bands including the Big Band do not only perform at military music events of other countries, but also at music festivals and “tattoos” – the international name for military and wind music, derived from the Dutch expression “tap toe” (English: “close the tap”).
Internationally renowned for their musical expertise, the Big Band and its first-class military musicians perform in concert halls and at major musical events all over the world. The Big Band represents the Bundeswehr on special occasions, at public performances and international events. An essential element of military protocol, the Big Band significantly contributes to maintaining and fostering relations with other armed forces.
Full-blooded musicians: German heavy metal band U.D.O. once performed together with the Bundeswehr Ceremonial Band – a high-publicity event.
Bundeswehr/Roland Alpers