Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Belousov congratulated the graduates, pointing out that "military musicians have made a major contribution to many glorious victories won by the Russian armed forces since the epoch of Peter the Great".
"Music guides, lifts up spirit and leads into battle," the Deputy Defense Minister stressed.
All in all, 35 Conservatory graduates received their Diplomas and lieutenant epaulets at the Saturday ceremony, with five graduating with honors. Four of the graduates represent Belarus, one is from Armenia.
The Moscow Military Conservatory is the world's only military school providing professional conservatory-level training for military bandmasters and leaders of military song and dance companies. Its graduates serve in the ranks of the Russian armed forces as well as the armed forces of foreign states.
Conservatory students of every year of training have their own brass band. These bands take part in numerous Russian and international contests and festivals, frequently appearing in radio and TV programs.
Many former Conservatory graduates have won major state awards and hold honorary artistic titles. The military bands and companies led by former Conservatory graduates perform both in Russia and abroad, participating in numerous cultural events and programs.
In 2005, the Moscow Military Conservatory marks its 70th anniversary. It has trained over 3,000 military musicians over the period.
