Students, faculty and staff of Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) were treated to a rare opportunity to experience the dynamic performance of the renowned Temple University Jazz Band (TUJB), which travelled from the Main Campus in Philadelphia. Under the direction of Grammy-honored trumpeter Terell Stafford from Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, the led band captivated Japanese jazz scenes with their high-energy performance and seamless improvisation.
Making its Japan debut, TUJB shared the stage with Tokyo’s Waseda University and headlined a gig at one of Tokyo’s top jazz clubs. The band was invited to perform at Waseda University High Society Orchestra’s 69th Recital, titled “Derivation,” on March 8, 2025, at Japan Education Center’s Hitotsubashi Hall. The following day, they played a two-set performance at Akasaka B-flat, delivering a total of 17 songs to a full-house audience. Across both performances, the 21-member Temple ensemble showcased a diverse jazz repertoire, featuring compositions by legends such as Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock.