The Hans Schmidt Band has been entertaining lowcountry audiences with authentic imitation German polkas and waltzes for over twenty years. From its humble Hungry Five beginnings (trumpet, trombone, tuba or base sax and two clarinets), it has grown to include drummers, a saxophone section, numerous brass players with an eclectic collection of horns in many shapes and sizes, and an occasional accordionist. On rare occasions when all these musicians actually perform together, they call themselves the Hans Schmidt Orchestra. For Oktoberfest celebrations, though, it's usually just an extra trumpet or drums with the original five parts.