30 years of the ETH Big Band: an interview with the founder and band leader Christoph Eck

The ETH Big Band started out 30 years ago as a small, ad-hoc jazz group. Christoph, how do you remember it at the beginning?

It all started with an advert stating “Wanted: musicians for a big band” at ETH. We didn't have mobile phones or social media in those days. In fact, only a couple of people came to the first meeting. We had fun and word got out so at some point we had managed to put together a regular ensemble. At that time, we weren't yet able to call ourselves the “ETH Big Band”. I only came to Switzerland in 1993 and no-one really knew if I was serious about the band or not. I went to the ETH rector’s office and asked if we could have a room to practice in. Luckily, over the years there have always been people who have helped us.

What motivated you to set up the big band?

A lot of people stop playing music when they’re at university and they usually don't go back to it. But there are talented people at ETH and other universities who could just have easily become musicians. I have always wanted to be surrounded by talented people. During my time at school and university, I have always played music and been the trumpeter in bands. I was very influenced and encouraged by my trumpet teacher at the time. I even spent some time considering making a career out of music. But then I decided to study electrical engineering. I had always enjoyed jazz, but in those days there were hardly any jazz big bands in Switzerland. When I came to the country, there was nowhere I felt at home musically speaking. So I had the idea of getting a band together myself.

So initially you didn’t have any links with the ETH Alumni Association?

No, none at all. The band became more and more established over time: we played in front of the cafeteria at lunchtime; this was followed by our first evening concert and first appearances abroad. Some musicians, including myself, remained part of the big band even after completing their undergraduate studies, PhD or getting a job. This resulted in the band being included in the ETH Alumni Association as a musical club. We see ourselves as the big band for both of Zurich’s universities. But most people are linked directly to ETH.

How else has the band changed over the last 30 years?

It has become more professional and more efficient. Some people, like our treasurer Viktor, have been with us a very long time. We are well organised – and all of us are volunteers. The quality of our music has improved over time too. For example, we are always inviting high-calibre professional musicians to join us on projects. One example would be the lead saxophonist of the SWR Big Band Klaus Graf or other musicians, such as Horst-Michael Schaffer, Reinhard Glöder or Ray Anderson from the USA. As an amateur musician, you don't often get the chance to play with professional musicians. This is a real boost and enriching experience for both parties!

What have been the highlights of the last 30 years?

One would have to be last November’s Polyball. The audience were singing their hearts out. It’s incredibly rewarding when you can see that the spectators are enjoying themselves that much. We had a similar experience at an open-air concert in Belfort in France. It was full of people cheering and clapping. An absolute highlight. It makes all the work worthwhile.
And then there are concerts which move you emotionally. In 2008, we were on tour in China after the huge earthquake which left so many dead. Our concert began with a minute’s silence. You get these emotional moments time and again. And of course, they affect you.