The Trombone Shorty Foundation hosted a free Masterclass on September 15 called “Bandleader Bootcamp.” Bandleaders tend to occupy a unique and demanding intersection… including part musician, part businessperson, part HR department, part finance director, part music director, part songwriter, part salesperson. It’s a sprawling, high-stakes role that most people get thrown into with little preparation, learn on the fly, through trial and error, and the occasional disaster. This workshop presented practical tools for young bandleaders navigating these competing demands for the first time, drawing on real experience to help them not just survive the job, but thrive in it, building bands that are creatively strong and sustainably run. Photos by Anthony Rhodes.
