Kazakhstan's Trailblazing Military Musician Shapes Generations of Bands

Galia Akmoldayeva has dedicated her career to military music in Kazakhstan. Born in the village of Avangard, she first taught music at a local school before joining the armed forces. Her contributions to military bands have earned her national recognition. Akmoldayeva began her military service in 1998 as the concertmaster of the Guards Garrison’s tank regiment band. Her older sisters, Zholdyz and Aina, both veterans of the Guards Garrison, inspired her to pursue this path.

She played a key role in establishing the 5th Mechanized Brigade’s military orchestra. When the brigade lacked an official band, she even took on a temporary role as chief of the engineering ammunition depot in Taraz. Over the years, she trained new generations of military musicians and helped young servicemembers see band service as a form of patriotism.

In 2023, her decades of service were honoured with the 'Eren Eńbegi Úshin' medal, one of Kazakhstan’s highest state awards. Even after retiring, she remains active, sharing her expertise with new musicians in the military band. Akmoldayeva believes military music can inspire and unite people while boosting morale. Her work has left a lasting impact on Kazakhstan’s military bands. She continues to mentor young musicians, ensuring her legacy endures.