 In 1868 he became conductor of the Sokol Wind Orchestra in Kolín.During the 1873 Gymnastics Festival in Prague the Orchestra played a prominent role in the opening ceremony, and visitors who attended the event warmly received the wind orchestra's offerings, both original compositions by Kmoch and arrangements of well-known folk songs.During this time he married Josefa Kahslova, daughter of a metalworker from Kolín; their marriage was blessed with five daughters.