The KC Jazz Big Band was formed back in mid-1970s together by the students and teachers of the Jazz department. First led by Frans Elsen, KC Jazz Big Band has quickly established itself in the Dutch jazz scene as one of the leading Big Bands of the time.

From the beginning of the 1990s, KC Jazz Big Band scaled new musical heights under the leadership of the American clarinetist and saxophonist John Ruocco. Since then, KC Jazz Big Band has had numerous appearances at the North Sea Jazz Festival, as well as the most iconic jazz venues in the Netherlands. KC Jazz Big Band was led by and played with phenomenal guests: Michael Brecker, Kenny Wheeler, Jim McNeely, Peter Erskine, Ack van Rooijen, Randy Brecker, Ed Partyka and Miho Hazama, among others.