Sivuääni is a wind band, comprised primarily of saxophones, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, horns, euphoniums, trombones, tubas and drums; with other instruments per occasion. Most players have a medical connection, as professors, doctors, researchers, hospital administrators, medical text editors, nurses and lab technicians; but all musicians are welcome to play in Sivuääni.

Sivuääni plays a wide variety of dance, rhythmic, and festive music, relevant to the occasion. Most performances are medical-oriented, with playlists having included dedication music for new hospital facilities, festive selections for the biennial Tampere University doctoral conferment ceremonies, welcoming and dance music for conference openings and banquets, and special playlists for other occasions. The band also performs in summer concerts and music festivals. There is a mid-August band camp for recreation and preparation of the new autumn season.

Sivuääni rehearses on Wednesdays from 18-20 in the Arvo building of the University Medical School. We are always looking for new players! If you are interested, please contact us!  Welcome!

What Does 'Sivuääni' Mean?

[Click above for a full-size image] Sivuääni whole-family summer camp in the late 1970s, led by Tapio Vayrynen and his 'tahdistin', or 'pacemaker'!

In Finnish, 'sivuääni' means 'murmur' [such as a 'heart murmur']; metaphorically it refers to a wide variety of rhythmic sounds. It connotes well the musical avocations of many Tampere medical professionals. Humor is always present: in our founding years, before a director was employed, the Sivuääni 'beat' was regulated by tubist Tapio Vayrynen and his foot-operated 'pacemaker' ['tahdistin'], now part of the band's lore.

Since then, conductors have included legendary Tampere musicians Mikko Marttila and Matti Prepula, as well as many guest conductors for special occasions.

For further information (in Finnish) on the Sivuääni history, schedule of events, current players, and photo/sound gallery, click on our History, Current Players, Schedule of Events, and Photos, Videos and Recordings Gallery links!

And of course, if you would like to have Sivuääni play at your events, just click here to book us!