The Bundesjazzorchester (BuJazzO) is a pretty unique institution worldwide. The orchestra was founded to support young jazz musicians- up to age 24- after leaving the school orchestras, youth music schools, etc. Applicants can be members for up to two years after a successful audition. The program of the BuJazzO is organized in so called "work phases." During a work phase the members of the orchestra develop a complete concert repertoire under the guidance of professional musicians/educators. Most of it's existence the BuJazzO was conducted by trombonist Peter Herbolzheimer. Since 2009 the band is conducted by keyboarder Mike Herting. The BuJazzO played almost 400 concerts and visited twenty countries.