The best known Czech Municipal Wind Orchestra with the longest tradition was established by František Kmoch of Zasmuky in 1872, originally as a Sokol(*) band.

During the first year the Orchestra performed its duties in the vicinity of the town of Kolín but in 1873 was honoured when invited to participate at the inauguration of the J. Jungmann Monument in Prague. Later, in 1884 the Orchestra departed abroad for the first time to Polish Krakow, and soon followed invitations to

Vienna, Budapest; in 1896 the Orchestra was invited to give a concert at Niznij Novgorod during the coronation of Russian Tzar Nicholas II.in 1912, after the death of František Kmoch, the new conductor, Alois Vlasak, was appointed. His appointment lasted for unbelievable 42 years. During his period the original Sokol Orchestra was converted into the Municipal Wind Orchestra of the Town of Kolin, which is the status maintained until these days. After Alois Vlasak, numerous recognised musicians became the conductors of the Orchestra – e.g. Jiří Jaroch, Václav Tyr, Jan Vostrčil, Miroslav Císař, Josef Maršík.

In 1993 under the command of Josef Maršík the Orchestra crossed the Atlantic for the first time performing the best pieces at the Sokol venues in Canada and the U.S.A.

The Orchestra toured the whole Europe concerting in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, England, Hungary, Bulgaria, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, etc.

At present, the Municipal Wind Orchestra of František Kmoch is conducted by Mr. Miloslav Bulín.

The Municipal Wind Orchestra of František Kmoch is proud to follow the great tradition of its founder performing all his music in both traditional an new arrangements while also presenting various other genres and music variations to their fans.

(*) The most famous Czech sports grouping is the mass participation Sokol organisation. Although the main goal of Sokol is to promote national health and sports, it played a key role in the national resistance to the Austrian Empire, the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime. Soon after it was founded in 1862, colourful gymnastics rallies were held regularly in Prague until the German occupation in 1938. The Communist regime banned the organisation after its 1948 rally, but Sokol continued to exist abroad. In July 1994, Sokol staged a triumphant return with a rally in Prague.