Manu Sánchez plays tenor saxophone in the Big Band of Tecnun, and besides that, he makes sure that everything else works well in the band, "starting with the material means such as the place of essay, the sound equipment or the instruments themselves, and continuing with the organization of rehearsals, promotion, and new incorporations". On World Music Day, Manu explains how the Big Band came about.

When did the Big Band start?

The idea came up in April 2015, when after talking with several students who played wind instruments we thought about getting together and put together a Big Band for the next course. We started the promotion right at the beginning of the course and at the end of September we started the first rehearsals.

What are your objectives?

Like any musical formation, the main goal is to enjoy 'making' music and to try to make others enjoy that music. Here the peculiarity is that we are not a very large group, -about twenty-, we play an unusual music subject , jazz, and none of us are professional musicians. But we have a lot of illusion and we strive to play some songs, sometimes not easy, with the highest possible quality.

In addition to playing at the School Concerts we would like to play at other occasions or venues. For example, last year we were able to play at the University Museum. This year we had a concert entirely of our own, with a fairly complete repertoire of traditional songs. It was a concert dedicated especially to our families, who suffer us day after day. And next year we are going to perform some more modern songs, with more voices, and with much more rhythm.

Are they all members of the University of Navarra's technological campus ?

Until a few months ago we were all from Tecnun and Ceit, except for director who is a professional musician. The truth is that we have been very lucky because it is quite difficult to have enough people who play the necessary instruments to form a Big Band. In any case, we are delighted that people from other faculties, alumni, or other people can join us. The hardest part is that they can adapt to our schedule rehearsal space. The test of this is that this last semester has incorporated a drummer who is a high school teacher and has result of great financial aid, so we are very happy.

How is the relationship between the members?

In the Big Band there are students, teachers and researchers, but when it comes to rehearsing and playing, we are musicians. We have to suffer together and enjoy together, rehearse and work together to get the best result. And that generates an atmosphere of friendship and companionship among all.

What does being a member of the Big Band add to the academic formation and staff of the students?

I think it brings many virtues that are necessary both to be a good musician and a good student: constancy, patience, effort, order, method, companionship, responsibility. And, on the other hand, I think it is a very good and rewarding way to rest, which brings a special joy. I think that music in general, and playing an instrument in particular, is one of the best ways to enjoy and have fun.

What would you highlight from the profile of its members?

They are people who, despite having very little free time, make an effort to carry out an activity that they really enjoy. From there, we have musicians of all levels, with more or less skills, but willing to contribute their bit. It is incredible to see how each instrument adds up to form the music of a Big Band.  

Recently the traditional Spring Concert of Tecnun took place, what is your opinion of it? evaluation ?

I think it is a very enriching activity for both the participants and the audience. Discovering other abilities -artistic, musical, etc.- in the students and in some members of staff is always a pleasant surprise. I think it is very important to promote it because it gives us a humanism and values that we are losing in this technological world. In addition, the effort made by the students deserves our attention and congratulations.