In November 1980, the Polyband of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and the University of Zurich (UZH) was founded by an initiative of ETH students. Nowadays it consists of about thirty students and affiliates of the two institutions, including undergraduate, graduate/PhD students and alumni. Matt Stämpfli, a professional bandleader and trumpet player, leads the band since 2007, whereas the management consists exclusively of students.
The band’s instrumentation depends on the specific occasion and typically includes thirty musicians. The Polyband stands out with a mix of grooving big band sound and the sonority of a classical orchestra. Our playlist is always full of music that makes you want to dance – may it be classical swing, hot latin or funky jazz-rock. About half a dozen concerts are performed each semester, ranging from official concerts at university ceremonies to private performances in and around the Zurich area.
The concerts usually feature our singer.
A yearly recurring highlight is the opening of the Polyball. This event takes place in the main building of ETH and is, with its 10’000 visitors, Europe’s biggest decorated ball (www.polyball.ch). Having reached a new level in its quality of play and its performances, the Polyband is now looking for new challenges both within and outside of Switzerland.
Performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in the summers 2011 and 2016 was an honor and a highlight in our history. We also fondly remember our performance at the Fête de la Musique in Luxembourg City, as well as various appearances in various European cities.
The Polyband is a vital part of the cultural activities at ETH and at UZH. Both institutions officially foster the band and support it with logistic and financial aid. The band is also an associated member of the student union VSETH. Apart from this strong connection to the local universities, the band also maintains external contacts and performs in joint concerts with bands from others universities as well as at corporate events.
Are you interested in engaging the Polyband? Then please contact us. It would be our pleasure to accompany your event with our performance.