NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Trombone Shorty Academy is now open for 2025/26 registration. A free after-school program for New Orleans youth ages 12-18, the Trombone Shorty academy is based on Danny Barker’s Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band program, the exact path – says organizers – that led to its namesake’s Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews success as a world-renown performer. Students enrolled in the program don’t only learn how to play in a musical ensemble, but also begin to understand and appreciate the history of New Orleans music and the theory behind it, meeting on Monday evenings from 6-8pm throughout the school year.
Students enrolled in the program get weekly instruction on brass band music, exciting performance opportunities, a class trip, and more, but space is limited. The deadline to register is Aug. 22 and auditions are to be held on Monday, Aug. 25 – all students, regardless of instrument or past participation in Trombone Shorty Academy, are required to audition for the program. After registering, each student will receive a link to schedule their audition time.
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. For those with students who would be a great fit for the Trombone Shorty Academy, please have them register by Aug. 22 at this link.
The Trombone Shorty Academy Alumni Band just got home from their first ever European tour, playing daily at Ascona Jazz festival in Switzerland and performing a main stage set at Copenhagen Jazz Festival’s Roots & Jazz. Additionally, students in this past year’s Academy class got the opportunity to perform in Cuba earlier this year. As part of the annual Getting Funky In Havana trip, the Academy band collaborated with local Cuban musicians and got to know the musical and cultural connection between their two cities.
In addition to fall registration, the Trombone Shorty Academy will be participating in the second annual Back to School Jam, happening on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Hosted by the New Orleans Music Education Collaborative (NOMEC) and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, this event is an open-house style showcase of youth music programs from across the Greater New Orleans area. Meet with representatives from leading music education organizations, including Trombone Shorty Academy, learn about class offerings and program details, register for fall programming on-site, enjoy live performances by student groups and faculty from participating programs, and catch a special set by The Original Pinettes Brass Band.
For more information, please visit tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
What: Trombone Shorty Academy 2025/26 Registration
When: Registration deadline is Friday, August 22nd
Who: 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.
Why: Students enrolled in the program don’t only learn how to play their instrument in a musical ensemble, but also begin to understand and appreciate the history of New Orleans music and the theory behind it.
How: Register a student at this link and learn more at tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
