Mr Werner Dannewitz, current conductor of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band, was instrumental in the founding of the forerunner of the band in Pietermaritzburg in 1977. This band grew in stature and in 1985 was given provincial status and officially named the Natal Youth Wind Band. In 1995 the name was changed appropriately to the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band in keeping with the changes that have taken place in our country. Mr Dannewitz returned as conductor the same year, and the old magic has returned to the band. Under Mr Dannewitz's baton, the band regularly has enthusiastic foot-stamping ovations.