The Hans Schmelzer Music Award was established in 2010 by the Alemannia Music Foundation to promote study in the high schools and universities of the So. California area of music from the German speaking regions of Central and Eastern Europe. And through this study, to better connect student musicians with the roots of music development. It is our belief that by knowing where the music of today has come from, students will be better able to develop their own talents and apply their knowledge to the development of music as a whole.

The award was named in honor of Mr. Schmelzer who founded the German-American Brass Band of So. California and is its Kapellmeister Emeritus. Because of his support of the local ethnic community through his work with the German-American Brass Band, he has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross of the Federal Republic of Germany. More information about Mr. Schmelzer can be found in the award’s 2012 Information Pamphlet.

The award has two components: an Ensemble Component and a Student Musician Component. Each award includes a monetary grant, the amount of which may vary dependent upon the funding received for the year. For 2012, the award is $600.00 for the Ensemble Component and $400.00 for the Student Musician Component. Multiple Ensemble Component Awards may be issued (dependent on available funding); only one Student Component Award will be granted. Complete information and the criteria for the award can be found in the 2012 Information Pamphlet.

The Hans Schmelzer Music Award is primarily administered and funded by the AMF. Additional funding for 2012 has been generously provided by the German-American League of Los Angeles, Inc., Ltd., which is an organization representing 20 affiliated social, cultural, and business organizations in the So. California area. More information about the German-American League can be found on the League website at www.germanleague.us.