The Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces

The Conscript Band of the Finnish Defense Forces

Jarkko Aaltonen, Head of the Band.

First Lieutenant Henry Perälä, Deputy Conductor.

The Conscript Band of the Finnish Defense Forces was founded in Hamina in 1990 where it was a company-level unit in the Kymi Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Then it was transferred to the Häme Regiment in Lahti and became part of the Military Music School. To enter the band conscript musicians have to pass several auditions arranged by the Military Music School. Every year about 250 men and women forward their applications, but only 80 gifted young instrumentalists, singers and sound technicians are accepted.

The symphonic wind orchestra is the core of the band. Primarily, it is a marching band, but it may also perform as a jazz band, string orchestra or showband. The ensemble is a regular guest at the MILjazz tour and Provinssirock Festival in Finland and has previously performed in Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Russia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Latvia, Singapore, Switzerland, Poland and Italy.