National Schools Jazz Band

National Schools Jazz Band

The National Youth Jazz Festival, which annually brings together approximately 350 kids and 40 teachers from all backgrounds around South Africa, as well as nearly 90 professional jazz performers and educators, has grown to become one of the nation's most prominent jazz development programmes. The festival, which lasts for almost a week, features cutting-edge jazz performances, rehearsals, seminars, lectures, networking opportunities, and a chance for South Africa's upcoming jazz stars to connect musically and personally with their peers and the top artists in the nation.

An important part of the National Youth Jazz Festival is the formation of the National Youth Jazz Band and the National Schools Jazz Band. Top jazz students from around South Africa audition for places in these two bands, which are conducted by some of South Africa’s leading jazz educators and performers. 

We are incredibly proud that two of our boys were selected to form a part of the National Schools Jazz Band for 2023. Conducted by Marc de Kock (RBHS Music Department), Ethan Holgate (Matric) is on the trumpet while James Ford (Grade 10) is the vocalist.

We are also excited to announce that the band will be performing a special showcase at Rondebosch Boys’ High School on Friday the 21st of July at 8pm in the Reeler Theatre.

We invite and encourage you to attend this performance to support our dedicated and incredibly talented young musicians.

Date: 21 July 2023

Time: 8 PM

Venue: Reeler Theatre, Rondebosch Boys' High School