About Us

“But before you can understand how much music means to me, you have to know how important it is to my hometown, my greatest inspiration.”

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews

In New Orleans, music is everywhere: the clubs, the churches, the streets, the schools, and in the air. It’s celebrated as an essential part of life—past, present and future. Louis Armstrong said it best: “What we play is life.” America’s original musical art form—jazz—originated here, and over time so did many other styles-rhythm and blues, funk, and rock and roll.

Through the years these traditions have been handed down from one generation to the next. New Orleans musicians understand the importance of teaching the younger ones this heritage, allowing them to carry on the city’s vibrant musical culture that continues to make our city such an exceptional place.

At the Trombone Shorty Foundation, we proudly contribute to this time-honored tradition of passing it on. Although many kids in New Orleans play an instrument, it’s a select few like Troy “Trombone Shorty” who have the opportunity to pursue music as a career on a national stage.

We offer students both a road map and focus to allow them to pursue their passion. Our goal is to nurture their talent in a way that opens up the possibilities, and also provide a platform for advancement. Click HERE to learn more about our programs.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews

Founder & Instructor, Trombone Shorty Foundation

Troy is a product of the music-rich Treme neighborhood and has been playing trombone since it was bigger than he was. Today, Troy and his band, Orleans Avenue, are a nationally celebrated mix of ‘Supafunkrock’ playing sold-out arenas, joining the world’s biggest pop and rock bands, authoring an award-winning children’s book, and still leading the hometown second line.

Musical Inspiration: My family and my city. They didn’t just introduce me to the greats, they were the greats. From my grandfather, Jessie Hill, who made R&B hits back in the day, to my cousin Herlin Riley, who played drums for Wynton Marsalis, my family gave me the inspiration and the tools to make New Orleans music.

Bill Taylor

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Bill Taylor has served as the Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Executive Director since its inception in 2011, overseeing all aspects of the organization. He has a long history of involvement in the New Orleans music community, from the Tipitina’s Foundation to producing the Fats Domino tribute recording “Goin’ Home” to co-authoring the Caldecott-winning Trombone Shorty kids book. A graduate of Princeton University, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, and an honorary member of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame, Bill’s passion for New Orleans and its music is a lifetime pursuit.

Musical Inspiration: At 7:45 am at the Maple Leaf on the first day of my first visit to New Orleans, I saw Walter “Wolfman” Washington start his final set as the sun was rising. I’d never seen anything like it. My mind was blown, and I knew that I’d found my home.

Ashley Shabankareh

Director of Operations and Programs

Ashley Shabankareh (she/they) is a musician, arts administrator, and music educator, and she serves as the Director of Operations and Programs for Trombone Shorty Foundation. Ashley has worked with numerous arts organizations in their career, including Preservation Hall Foundation, Artist Corps New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and Upbeat Academy. Ashley is a trombonist and vocalist and has performed with notable musicians including Aretha Franklin, Allen Toussaint, Jimmy Buffett, and Theresa Andersson, and in her own projects, Marina Orchestra, The Asylum Chorus, and Bra’s Band Brass Band.

George Wilde

Strategic Impact Analyst

George Wilde is a guitarist, singer/songwriter and educator in New Orleans, LA. Arriving in the city in 2010, he has played both as a leader in his own ventures and as a sideman in a wide variety of original music acts including with accomplished Louisiana-native vocalist Maggie Koerner and with psychedelic funk band Sexual Thunder. When not playing guitar and electric bass, booking music for live events with his agency NolaWilde LLC, George is busy at work in the garden growing food, herbs, and medicines for his family and community.

Musical Inspiration: My high school music teacher from Bobby Broom gave me the tools to become a professional musician. Also Allen Toussaint, he had the raw talent, heard what could be and invented it. It is a rich experience to be a part of a musical community, and it’s what makes this city exceptional and participating in it inspires me every day.

Lindsay Adler

Events / Marketing / Development
Lindsay Adler has worked for the Trombone Shorty Foundation for over 10 years in a variety of roles including Event Production, Marketing, Web/Social Management, Development and Sponsor/ Donor Relations. A graduate of Tulane University, Lindsay has worked for over 20 years in the New Orleans music industry. She has worked as an Adjunct Professor at both Tulane University and Loyola University teaching classes in Creative Arts Marketing and Music Marketing. Her areas of expertise include music marketing, event promotion, event management, booking, writing (press releases, grant writing, sponsorship proposals), digital media creation, email marketing, media relations, social media, and live events.

Nate “Suave” Cameron Jr.

Instructor, Music Industry Apprenticeship Program

(@SuavelsHere ) is the co-founder of glbl wrmng and Them People Productions. A cultural arts advocate, event producer, performing artist and community organizer, he has a proven track record of building strong, vibrant communities of artists, including his work with 2-time Grammy nominated band Tank and The Bangas. In 2020, he and hip-hop artist Pell formed GLBL WRMNG, a music collective centering New Orleans based musicians and industry professionals to connect the creative and business aspects of the industry. The collective has developed their own stem player NFT alongside the tech company WEAV and has inked global brand partnerships with the likes of Red Bull, Reebok, Bacardi, and more, while launching merch collaborations with New Orleans based small businesses Like Sushi, Glass Half Full, ArtHeist, and more. Nate is currently the Board President of MACCNO (Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans) and the Director of Remembering for New Orleans based non-profit Our Voice Nate is connecting our music community to the world!

Julian Gosin

Lead Instructor, Trombone Shorty Academy

Julian Gosin is an artist, producer, and educator, whose work uplifts and represents New Orleans culture. In addition to his work as an artist and producer, Julian has been teaching for over 5 years at Warren Easton Charter School and as music instructor for Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Trombone Shorty Academy program.

Musical Inspiration: the people of New Orleans – on any given day you’ll see or experience something that will inspire you.

Glenn Hall

Instructor, Trombone Shorty Academy

Glenn Hall, who is the younger cousin of Troy currently tours with Grammy award winning Rebirth Brass Band and also leads his own band, Lil’ Glenn and Backatown. Since starting trumpet at age 6, Glenn has attended NOOCA, graduated from University of New Orleans and traveled the world playing music.

Musical Inspiration: My family is definitely my greatest inspiration. From Glenn David giving me my first horn, to playing with James Andrews, my family’s tradition of playing for the moment has created moments of joy and celebration for so many people. In New Orleans we have influences from all over the world, France, Spain, Africa — we have a gumbo and made it our own.

Erion Williams

Instructor, Trombone Shorty Academy

Award-winning saxophonist for The Soul Rebels, Erion has traveled the world and has performed with Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Katy Perry, Metallica, Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty. Erion also appears on the soundtracks composed and recorded by Randy Newman, Terence Blanchard and PJ Morton for the Disney Theme Parks ride “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” and has been featured as a solo artist on PJ Morton’s remake of “The Sweetest Thing” by Ms. Lauryn Hill. Growing up in a musical family (his cousin is Kermit Ruffins), Erion was a St Augustine High School Drum Major and graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2007.

Musical Inspirations: Being a sax player, you have to look up to Coltrane and Charlie Parker. I also love hip hop – basically, anything that’s funky. We are in the birthplace of jazz. Jazz transcends any style of music. NOLA is always going to be on the map as the place where everything came from.

Chris Finney

Director, Fredman Music Business Institute

Chris Finney is an entrepreneur, educator and a multi- Grammy© winning music producer/engineer. He is a life long advocate of music, technology, and business education. He is an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University and is the lead instructor for the Fredman Music Business Institute at the Trombone Shorty Foundation. He currently owns and operates Metry Media, a video production and media content consulting and management company.

Musical Inspiration: The “Creole Beethoven” Wardell Quezerque. He was hands down the most talented musician I’ve ever worked with, and simultaneously, the most humble and beautiful guy.

Santrell “Jade” Perdue

Program Admin, Trombone Shorty Academy

Santrell “Jade” Perdue is a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, teaching and creative artist who credits her hometown New Orleans for shaping her artistic palette. Her background is rooted in jazz, gospel, r&b, and classical. Jade holds a bachelor’s from Xavier University of Louisiana and a master’s from University of New Orleans in vocal performance. She has performed with world-renowned musicians and groups such as Herlin Riley, Dr. Micheal White, Amina Scott, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Opera Creole. Jade’s musical journey has led her to perform in New York, Philadelphia, London, Missouri, Havana, and beyond. Whether performing the National Anthem for the New Orleans Pelicans or gracing stages such as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Essence Festival, or House of Blues she brings joy, peace, and excitement to each performance, leaving the audience with an unparalleled experience.