participants
Since 2001 over 200 participants have joined our exchange program, either in South Africa or Norway
– musicians, teachers, music therapists, youth workers, conductors and dancers.
Contracts last one year, with the option to extend for six months.
We hold open calls twice a year, which means our teams are changing on a regular basis.
Read more about our participants and alumni below
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North Participants
Norwegian participants staying in Johannesburg
Rose
Rose is a 25-year-old musician and journalist with a BA in classical bass trombone from the Grieg Academy and the Royal Academy of Music. She has worked as a journalist for both local and national media since the age of 13.
Originally from a small rural village of about a thousand people — and plenty of deer — Rose enjoys the outdoors, good food, time with friends, and playing cliché pop songs on whatever instrument she can find.
Maria
Maria is the newest North participant in the PULSE-team. She is a clarinettist and an elementary school teacher from Lier. After returning home from her student exchange program at the University of Cape town in 2016, she felt that something was missing in her life. As time went by, she realised that she left a piece of herself in South Africa, and that she at some point had to come back. Maria loves the people, the food, and the wine of South Africa (especially the wine). When she’s not playing music, you’ll likely find her swing dancing or singing in a choir. She grew up in a true marching band family — her parents, grandfather, and three older brothers all played — and it’s been a big part of her life ever since. Now she’s ready to learn about marching bands the South African way, and she’s excited that she once again can call South Africa her home.
Benjamin
Benjamin is a percussionist, choir conductor and all-round music theory whiz. He enjoys a good challenge, new faces, travelling to far-off places and the “somewhat amusing” South African work culture. Benjamin spent a year in Mozambique working with street kids when he was 19 — and let’s just say, he’s no stranger to the African adventure. In his downtime, Benjamin enjoys listening to Nigerian collectives playing political ’70s jazz.
Naturally.
Julie
Julie is a violinist and writer with a BA in actor/musicianship. She’s still a little bewildered as to how she ended up working for a brass band organization — but she’s not complaining! Passionate about storytelling through music, she loves both teaching and performing, and has worked in a range of theatre productions as an actor, musician, and director. When not doing music, Julie loves a good jigsaw puzzle, reading to her mom, and performing slam poetry — and she’s determined to bring blogging back like it’s 2005.
South Participants
South African participants staying in Oslo
Refiloe
Refiloe is a 25-year old trumpet and marimba-player from Soweto. Over the years, she’s been fortunate to collaborate with incredible artists, experiment with different sounds, and grow as a performer. As a Pulse South Participant, she is focusing on The Youth Lift, meaning she works a lot with the youth of Norway. She is eager to share her experiences while learning from the vibrant music community in Norway. When she’s not making music, you can usually find her sitting on the couch, drinking chai lattes.
Phenyo
26-year-old Phenyo was born and raised in Kuruman in the Northern Cape. His musical journey began in 2012 with the Kuruman Field Band, where he started as a 14-year-old trumpet player before becoming a tutor in training and later a certified brass instructor. Since then, he has worked with several Field Bands, including Kuruman, Petrusville, and Birchleigh. One of his most rewarding experiences was working with Con Amore School, which caters to children with diverse disabilities.
Passionate about personal growth and cultural harmony, Phenyo is a music enthusiast who believes that music has the power to unite people across cultures, and he’s eager to experience the joy of playing music with diverse individuals. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, podcasts, and a good gym session.
Sivuyile
Sivuyile is from the small town of Pitrusville in the Northern Cape. A musician whose creative journey has been evolving since 2013, he combines technical skill with genuine passion. Appointed as a tutor in 2017 and later as a band coordinator in Mandini in 2025, his work reflects a clear commitment to growth and innovation. Over the past seven years, he has worked with various bands across multiple provinces — a path that eventually took him to Norway to share his musical experiences with young people. When he’s not making music, Sivuyile enjoys farming and horseback riding.
Tebatso
Tebatso Johannes is from Pretoria and originally works as a lower brass tutor and percussionist with the Plettenberg Bay Field Band. Deeply rooted in music since childhood — from school choirs to church performances — he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge and learning from others through PULSE. The exchange has allowed him to explore Oslo, connect with welcoming people, and experience Norway’s beautiful nature. He’s especially hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Coming from sunny South Africa, however, Tebatso is still learning how to handle the chilly Norwegian weather — even though he has been on exchange to Norway before!
