The Hans Schmelzer Music Award was established in 2010 by the Alemannia Music Foundation to promote the study by musicians in the So. California area of music from the German speaking regions of Central and Eastern Europe. And through this study, to better connect student and advanced musicians with the roots of music development. It is our belief that by knowing where the music of today has come from, musicians 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. Because of his support of the local ethnic community through his work with the German-American Brass Band, he was 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 2026 Information Brochure.

The award includes a monetary grant, the amount of which may vary dependent upon the funding received for the year. For 2026, the grant is $500.00. Complete information and the criteria for the award can be found in the 2026 Information Brochure.

The Hans Schmelzer Music Award is administered and primarily funded by the AMF. Additional funding for this year 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.