Warrant Officer (Retd) Hans Matla

Since 25th October 2008 the percussion section of the Historical Drum Corps of the Royal Dutch Military Police (Marechaussee) is being instructed by Hans Matla, a former percussionist of the Band. 

From his youth Hans has already been active in music and he started his musical career in the drum and fife corps “Juniorenkorps CJMV”, later to become the Hunting Horn, Trumpet and Drum Corps “Federatieband CJV” in The Hague. He has been a member for more than 40 years, of which a considerable period as instructor for the percussion section.

Because of his 40 years Jubilee he received a honour from the Dutch Queen in 1993.

In his position as a sergeant instructor during his National Service he – as a hobby – instructed the drum Corps of the Infantry’s NCO School in the town of Den Bosch.

In the meantime he studied under supervision of the then Central Instructor of the Dutch Army, WO 1 Wim Peters. After that period he continued to qualify himself under supervision of – amongst others – WO 1 Jan Vlijm, WO 1 Ruud Böhmer and 1st Lieutenant Ed Knoop.

During the 80’s of the previous century Hans as a regular NCO has been responsible for the ceremonial uniforms of the Army, Air Force and Royal Dutch Military Police, which resulted in getting close relations with the military music circles. That was the reason why he – after retiring from the Army – enlisted as percussionist in the Band of the Royal Dutch Military Police.

During his musical career he gave percussion instruction to various types of corps, like hunting horn corps, matching bands and drum corps of fanfare bands of various quality levels with always excellent results in national contests and the World Music Contest in Kerkrade. 

Apart from that Warrant Officer 1 (Retd) Hans Matla is still actively involved in the organisation of the Dutch National Tattoo as well and more specifically for the programme planning of the civilian bands participating.