With its drummers the Representation Orchestra convinces its audience with superior and professional shows. It advertises the Swiss Army Central Band at music festivals and tattoos both in Switzerland and abroad, but also offers attractive concert programmes and CD recordings. Responsible for the musical direction is Major Aldo Werlen. Leader of the drummer ensemble is Staff Adjutant Philipp Rütsche, drum major und choreographer of the musical show.
The orchestra appears in red gala uniform and has already inspired million-strong audiences of at major music festivals in Russia, Germany, Italy, Austria, Great Britain and in Scandinavia. In 2008 the orchestra was at the Basel Tattoo and the Dutch Military Tattoo in Rotterdam (NL). In 2009, a major presentation was given in Scotland at the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh. This year again the orchestra will appear at the Basel Tattoo.
This formation consists of first-rate drummers who are recruited from all over Switzerland. With distinguished drum pieces and smart show compositions they inspire audiences in Switzerland and abroad. Their appearances pleasantly augment the musical programmes of the wind orchestra. Their varied repertoire consists of first-class compositions and attractive percussion and show compositions. Lieutenant Colonel Philipp Werlen is company commander. The orchestra had major performances in 2010; in Oslo (Norway) and at the Basel Tattoo. The drummer ensemble directed by Staff Warrant Officer Philipp Rütsche has already performed at many well-known drum festivals including the world famous Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland
Major Aldo Werlen
Aldo Werlen was born in Ferden (canton of Valais) in 1977. He was trained as a conductor at the music academy in Sion. Aldo Werlen was band conductor in Wiler and taught percussion at the Upper Valais School of Music. Major Werlen has been working at the Competence Centre for Military Bands since 2000. In 2003, he obtained his teaching license for drum set lessons; since then Major Werlen is as chief drummer in charge of all musical recruit training.
Staff Warrant Officer Philipp Rütsche
Philipp Rütsche was born in 1978. Apart from drum studies, he also learned how to conduct a wind orchestra and was a band conductor in Gähwil in the canton of St Gallen from 1997 to 2001. Since April 2000, SWO Philipp Rütsche has been working as a drum teacher in the Swiss Instruction Centre for Military Music in Aarau.
From 2004 to 2005, he led the drummers of the Swiss Army Concert Band. Since 2006, SWO Rütsche is drum major and thus choreographer of the music show of the representation orchestra of the Swiss Army Central Band.
