Aino leads military music professionals

Officer Specialist Aino Koskela is a Master of Music who serves as the conductor of the Dragoon Band in Lappeenranta.

Her tasks include managing and rehearsing with the Dragoon Band’s concert and parade bands, entertainment and chamber orchestras, big bands, and chamber music ensembles.

Musicians are encouraged to stay in good shape

Koskela works with both choirs and soloists and plans the programme for the concert season together with the Band’s other musicians. She values her colleagues greatly, and she also appreciates the quality of the orientation and the supportive attitude towards further training in the Finnish Defence Forces’ supervisory work.

– I get to meet fine, talented and often very modest experts in a variety of tasks. We’re also encouraged to maintain our physical fitness. This is particularly important for musicians and conductors, since our work is very physical.

According to Koskela, the Defence Forces is a reliable, dependable, and fair employer, and its flexible approach to working hours makes it possible to fit one’s studies with one’s family life.

– Although the Defence Forces is often seen as a “manly” organisation, all the women I know enjoy working there. While the atmosphere can seem formal on the outside, it’s pretty relaxed on the inside..

Going beyond one’s comfort zone

Each military band is a testament to the personality, creativity, and professional skills of their conductors. While Koskela appreciates the traditions of military music, the Defence Forces’ conductors have the right – and even duty – to shape their concert activities around the world and reality they live in.

At best, military bands can bring people joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging, both across Finland and internationally. However, according to Koskela, the most important thing is having a personal passion for one’s work and self-development.

– I’ve had to encounter uncomfortable situations that have still taught me a great deal, such as the military’s shooting and orienteering exercises, which do not come naturally to me at all. However, it’s been my experience that my ability to overcome uncertainty and failure has made me a stronger and more empathetic leader.