Big BUStA
St Andrews' Premier Big Band
The Big Band of the University of St Andrews, affectionately known as Big BUStA, was created in September 2012.
The ensemble - which contains around 20 auditioned members - was formed to play both the classics of the swing era and contemporary funk and modern jazz. They play regular concerts with MusSoc, and are also available as a band for hire. The band's repertoire covers a range of genres from Funk, Latin and Afro Jazz to film arrangements and Glenn Miller.
​
Rehearsals take place weekly on a Monday evening, 7-9:30pm.
​
In terms of socials, the band regularly organises pub nights, attends MusSoc events and have previously enjoyed joint socials such as 'Cocktails & Canapés' with Wind Band.
​
Musical director : Ewan Riddell
Manager : Joe Atkinson
​
Instagram: @big_busta_jazz
Facebook: Big Band of the University of St Andrews
Email : bigbusta@st-andrews.ac.uk
Audition Process
​
Auditions take place at the start of Semester 1.
​
The audition includes a prepared piece, sight-reading and some optional improvisation. The group will be available to answer questions about this process and their rehearsals at the annual Music Fayre.
If interested after Orientation Week, please email us.
​
​
​
As well as playing in several major Music Society concerts each year, Big BUStA is also available as a band for hire.
​
If you feel your event, be it a wedding, a birthday, a ball or anything else, requires a big band to improve it, send us a message via our Facebook page or email us at bigbusta@st-andrews.ac.uk.