For more than a decade, Coby van Zwieten has been an assistant at the Jostiband. She helps, among others, the ‘experiencers’. These are people with serious multiple disabilities who make the Jostiband swing.

“My brother said 12 years ago: ‘Come with me to the Jostiband some time.’ He works at Ipse de Bruggen. I came along and the memory of it still sends shivers down my spine. I saw those people and I saw them play… I knew: this is what I am on earth for. That evening I mailed Lyan: ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’ She told me that a place would become vacant. And that I had to think carefully about it. I also knew right then that it would not be free of engagement. These people rely strongly on familiar faces.

Everyone who works here is very committed. You need to feel for these people and have patience with them. Humour and limits are also important. Some members of the orchestra may become a little bit too physical. If you tell them so, they will understand. People sometimes ask me: how should I approach them? Then I tell them: ‘I am special, you are special, they are special. How about: normally?’

Assistant Coby van Zwieten