Based: Cape Town
This Delft Big Band under the Directorship of Ian Smith started in August 2008 as an initiative by the Department of Social Development and NGO Cape Outdoor Adventure Service and Training. This development programme is targeted at vulnerable youth from high schools in Leiden, Rosendal and Voorbrug. Through this programme, which has early intervention as a core element, music is used as a vehicle to equip the youth with valuable life-skills.
Currently more than 100 learners from these areas participate in the programme of which more advanced musicians make up the Delft Big Band. This new band has already performed to high accolade at a number of high profile events, including the Sekunjalo Edujazz and The Cape Town Big Band Festival at the Baxter where they received standing ovations. Other concerts include the Community Jazz Festival in Guguletu for the Amy Biehl Foundation. Various performances at the City Hall which includes The Brass Band Pops and concerts with the American Palm Springs Band. The band recently combined with the SA Army Band in concert at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. The Arts and Culture Conference at the CTICC and many other high profile government and NGO events.
This band performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April 2010. The Artscape for the Youth Jazz Festival 2011, Karoo Arts Festival in Beaufort West. 2012 ,the band performed at the Jazz Festival at the Baxter and received once again standing ovations.
