In the 30s they were called 'Jazz Orchestras', one and a half decades later, 'Big Bands', and today, again, they are often called Jazz Orchestras. Something similar happened to us: In December, 1995, we started out as the 'Uni Big Band' and played the first season under that name in 1996.

Under the direction of Wolfgang Pemberger, we have been maintaining, for twenty years, a broad songbook of classic swing, Frank Sinatra songs (with Christian Dietz, vocals), Argentine rhythms with bandoneon, and funk. We play at Lindy Hop events, festivals, on concert stages, and can be booked for private events.

A Big Band - or jazz orchestra - is composed of five saxophones, four trombones, four or five trumpets, and a rhythm section (drums, bass, piano, sometimes guitar). Occasionally, the band features guest musicians. Our musicians are either employees or students of all disciplines of the University of Bern, and all are jazz enthusiasts.