Military bands of the Bundeswehr

The bands of the Bundeswehr provide music for official ceremonies such as the Großer Zapfenstreich and the swearing-in of new recruits.

These serve as the link of the armed forces to the long years of the German military music tradition.

As a general rule the Armeemarschsammlung forms part of the band repertory music, which include ceremonial marches for parades.

Feldwebel (senior NCOs) enlist for a minimum of twelve years of service, including a four-year undergraduate degree in music at the Robert Schumann Hochschule.

Commissioned officers earn a Diplom degree as Kapellmeisters and commit to a minimum of fifteen years of service.