Stellenbosch University Jazz Band

The Stellenbosch University Jazz Band (SUJB) is one of the ensembles formed by the Certificate Programme which was created to equip members of the broader community with skills to read music and play an instrument at a level enabling them to embark on a BMus or Diploma programme at tertiary level. The SUJB gave its first performance as an official university jazz ensemble at the Endler Hall in 2009, with resounding success. To date, the band has performed at the Cape Town Jazz Festival at the Baxter theatre, the National Youth Jazz Festival and the Oude Libertas Theatre in Stellenbosch, and given fundraising concerts for Bethesda Hospice in George and the Stellenbosch Work Centre, an NPO organisation working with physically challenged persons. In 2011, the SUJB performed live on Radio Good Hope during the Nigel Pierce show, and at the opening ceremony of the Association of African Universities (AAU) which was hosted by Stellenbosch University. In 2012 the SUJB won the National Ensemble Competition, winning their category as well as the overall competition. Over the years the SU Jazz Band has gained a reputation for vibrant and energetic concerts, performing with artists such as Jannie Moolman, Gloria Bosman, Louis Loock, PJ Powers, Corlea Botha, Amanda Strydom, Sibongile Khumalo and Tete Mbambisa under the leadership of Felicia Lesch. In 2018 the SU Jazz Band was awarded a Fiesta Award for their Woordfees concert at Spier with Judith Sephuma, Gloria Bosman and Timothy Moloi in the category for the Best Open Air Performance.