Who is eligible for the program?
Trombone Shorty Academy is open to young people ages 12 – 18 (Grades 8 – 12) who live in New Orleans. Those who enroll in the program should have at least one year of experience on their instrument through private lessons, band/orchestra, or other community music programs.
Where and when does the program take place?
Trombone Shorty Academy takes place every Monday evening from 6pm – 8pm. Our Fall semester will take place from September 11th through December 11th, and our Spring semester will take place from January 22nd through May 6th. Classes take place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center, with performances and trips taking place outside the George and Joyce Wein Center regularly.
How do I register?
The registration can be filled out online here. All students who register will be accepted into the program. If you need assistance with the application, please contact Ashley Shabankareh at ashley@tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
What happens after I register?
Trombone Shorty Foundation staff will reach out to you with additional details on the program and will schedule a time for you to come to orientation for the program.
Is there an orientation?
Orientation and auditions for the program will occur on the following dates:
● September 11th – New Student Audition and Orientation
● September 18th – Returning Student Audition and Orientation
What materials should I prepare for the audition?
To better understand where everyone is at musically, we ask that students come prepared to play their 12-major scales, as well as the C, F, Bb, and Eb Blues Scales, as well as a brass band song of their choosing.
What if I don’t have a ride to the program?
Transportation is available to the program. Trombone Shorty Foundation can send their vans and buses to your child’s school to assist in getting them to the program. While we ask that all students are picked-up by a parent or legal guardian, Trombone Shorty Foundation can also assist with providing transportation back to your home.
Do you have an instrument can use?
Students are asked to bring their own instruments to the program. If you are unable to provide your own instrument, please contact Ashley Shabankareh at ashley@tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
Your website mentions a class trip. How do students become eligible for that?
Trombone Shorty Foundation believes it’s important to provide a variety of educational experiences, both locally and nationally. Each year, we take an annual trip, which may be national or international, and often occurs during the school year. Students audition each year to become eligible to travel, and all expenses for the trip are covered by Trombone Shorty Foundation. This year, we anticipate that all students will travel together on a group trip at the end of the school year.
