PROGRAM DETAILS
Trombone Shorty Academy is a free, after-school music program for New Orleans youth ages 12 – 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. Led by Artist Educators including Julian Gosin, Glenn Hall, Jasmine Bastiste, and more, students enrolled in the Trombone Shorty Academy are immersed in musical ensemble instruction while learning the history and theory that is so deeply entwined in New Orleans music. Students in the Trombone Shorty Academy should have at least one year of previous experience on their instrument in either private lessons, band/orchestra, or other community groups. This program is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans as administered by Arts New Orleans.
Registration for the 2024-25 school year is now closed. Please fill out the form in this link to be informed when registration re-opens.
ELIGIBILITY:
Grades: 8 to 12
Instruments: Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Bari Sax, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Sousaphone, Bass Drum, Snare Drum
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Students are required to have at least one year of experience on their instrument.
SCHEDULE:
- Fall Semester:
- Monday, September 9th – Auditions
- Monday, December 16th – Last Day of Classes for the Semester
- Spring Semester:
- Monday, January 27th – First Day of Spring Semester
- Monday, May 6th – Last Day of Classes
- Class Time meets Weekly on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm
TRANSPORTATION:
Trombone Shorty Academy provides transportation from students’ schools to the program location. If you need transportation assistance, please indicate this on the registration form.
MEALS:
Trombone Shorty Academy provides participants with snacks and a meal at each class. If your child has any food allergies, please indicate them on the registration form.
PERFORMANCES:
Trombone Shorty Academy has one performance in the fall at Tunes for Toys and several performances in the Spring, including Shorty Fest on Monday, April 28, 2025. Performance details will be shared with program participants closer to the events.
In addition to performances within the community, Trombone Shorty Academy Level 3 classes have the opportunity to travel outside of New Orleans. Past program participants have traveled to Havana, Cuba, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, and Park City.
LOCATION:
Classes are held at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center located at 1225 N. Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116. Click here for a map.
QUESTIONS?
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. 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.
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 audition materials in advance of auditions on September 9th.
Yes – auditions are on Monday, September 9th.
What materials should I prepare for the audition?
- Woodwind and Brass Players:
- Scales
- In quarter notes (120 BPM), play the full and practical range for your instrument. A metronome will establish the tempo.
- Concert C, F, Bb, and Eb Major
- Brass Band Exerpt:
- Perform two Brass Band excerpts from the song list below. Song Choices can include:
- Drummers:
- Perform two rudiments
- Perform basic second line groove.
- Perform two other grooves, with the option to improvise. Grooves should show contrasting styles, tempos, and dynamics.
- Demonstrate playing on both the bass drum and snare drum.
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. If you are in need of transportation home, Trombone Shorty Foundation can also assist with providing transportation back to your home.
Do you have an instrument I 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.
I’ve seen that you’ve taken class trips before. 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 in our top ensemble are eligible for travel, and all expenses for the trip are covered by Trombone Shorty Foundation.
If you have any additional questions about this program, or you need assistance with registration, please email ashley@tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
