ALUMNI NETWORK PROGRAM

Throughout their time spent with us as students, our goal is to provide a platform for advancement, using programs that connect youth to real-world, hands-on experiences. We strive to equip them with the skills and perspectives necessary to earn a thriving wages in the New Orleans workforce music and to support them through a career pathway that leads them to financial and socio-emotional security. Our Alumni Network is made up of a group of students who have completed multiple years of our programs (some in our very first year in operation!) and now represent our organization in a variety of ways. Our Alumni students perform locally, nationally, and even internationally as part of our Cultural Experiences program, and can speak first hand on the positive effects of our work.

This first year of our Alumni Network will allow us to develop a signature annual experience for a newly created Alumni Leadership Council, merging equal parts creative development, professional training, and a pathway to engage our supporters directly with the alumni artistry. We’re thrilled to continue working with these incredibly special individuals — now professionals — and continue to watch them thrive!

As the organization and our Alumni Federation (alumni network) have grown, we have expanded the Cultural Experiences program to provide more New Orleans youth with the opportunity to gain travel experience outside New Orleans. These experiences are week-long tours, where they perform for audiences outside of New Orleans, engage in masterclasses, and visit, meet and network with music industry professionals. The Alumni who have taken part in these experiences have noted that it has built their confidence as young musicians, allowing them more opportunities to practice professional touring skills, while expanding their awareness of the music industry outside of New Orleans.

The experiences we provide help widen the lens of what is possible for our students’ futures, as they envision and develop the impact they can make on the world, with their instruments as their passports. Check out this sizzle reel from our Alumni’s recent experience at Park City Song Summit!

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) is an annual cohort of highly engaged alumni of the Trombone Shorty Foundation (TSF), open to young adults up to age 29 who have demonstrated deep involvement across TSF programming, including the Academy, Fredman Courses, Masterclasses, and Cultural Experiences. As we reconnect with our alumni from our over 13 years of programs and as we continue to have more and more youth graduate from programs each year, Alumni will be invited to apply to join the Leadership Council annually. Members will:

• Serve as liaisons and decision-making representatives for the broader alumni network.
• Act as “boots on the ground” to connect with and mobilize alumni.
• Gather feedback and source themes for alumni masterclasses, events, conversations, and support needs.
• Provide leadership in shaping alumni engagement activities, programming, and opportunities.
• Serve as mentors and instructors to current TSF program participants, including Trombone Shorty Academy, Fredman Music Institute, Masterclasses, and Cultural Experiences
• Serve as the primary point of contact with TSF on behalf of alumni.
• Represent TSF as spokespeople, supported by training and cultural exchange opportunities.

Stay tuned for more as we share their experiences on our website and on our social platforms!