Trombone Shorty Academy kicked off with a bang this September for the 2025-2026 school year! Our Academy program continues to grow, with 56 students participating this year, a 25% increase in active enrollment and engagement. We’ve also doubled the number of young women and nonbinary students in the program, with students now representing 23 schools across New Orleans. Photos by John Rhodes. Trombone Shorty Academy is a free after-school music program for New Orleans youth ages 13 – 18. Following the path that led to Trombone Shorty’s success, our program is based on Danny Barker’s Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band program. Enrolled students are immersed in musical ensemble instruction while learning the history and theory that is so deeply entwined in New Orleans music.