New Orleans Teens Keep Jazz Alive Through Trombone Shorty Academy

In New Orleans, the Trombone Shorty Academy is ensuring the city's legendary jazz legacy thrives through its youth programs. Founded by Grammy winner Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, the academy offers a free after-school program for teens aged 13 to 18. It provides a crucial mentorship pipeline, bridging a gap for young musicians who might otherwise lack opportunities to connect with their heritage.

The academy not only teaches music history and theory but also provides a safe and inspiring environment. For many students, like 17-year-old Tyler Stevenson, it offers a positive outlet away from community safety concerns. Stevenson, who performed alongside Andrews, highlighted the program's impact on his growth and sense of responsibility.

Ashley Shabankareh, the foundation's director, noted the challenges posed by the city's charter school system but emphasized the program's success in fostering confidence and leadership. For parents like Tamika Calvin, whose son Joshua benefits from the program, it represents hope and a path away from the dangers of gun violence and incarceration prevalent in their neighborhood.

Alumni like Dante Victor, who inspired Tyler, and Tyler's subsequent mentorship of Joshua, exemplify the academy's core ethos of paying it forward. Andrews sees this as a sign of the program's success, preserving New Orleans' unique musical culture while potentially changing the trajectory of young lives, and even saving them.