The NYJF presents the National Schools’ Jazz Band, a carefully selected ensemble of the top school jazz musicians in the country. Applicants are put through a series of online and in-person auditions until only 8 top-tier players remain.

With nearly two decades of experience as a professional singer, arranger, composer, producer and educator, Natalie Rungan takes on the role of conductor of this year’s NSJB. She prides herself on her drive constantly to push the boundaries to create new ideas and sounds, while encouraging the musical education of the next generation of South African jazz musicians. Natalie has taught jazz vocals at the University of Natal, been a choir director in both Jazz and Gospel music and is currently the Head of Music at Durban High School, having recently received her doctorate in Music Education from Rhodes University.