Trombone Shorty inspires a new generation of musicians

Story

1. The musician Troy Andrews, known as “Trombone Shorty,” started playing the trombone on the streets of New Orleans at age 4 and led his first band at age 8. At age 31, Trombone Shorty plays his music for audiences around the world and was the closing act in the New Orleans’ Jazz Fest last spring.
2. Trombone Shorty came from a famous musical family and was mentored by music legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Neville Brothers.
3. Andrews grew up in Treme, one of the oldest black neighborhoods in America, which remains an important center of the city’s African-American and Creole culture, especially the modern brass band traditions.
4. Trombone Shorty describes his music as “Supafunkrock,” a blend of rock, pop, jazz, funk, and hip hop and says its important for young people to learn different kinds of music.
5. Andrews started the Trombone Shorty Academy, an after-school musical program which brings together high school musicians and mentors from across New Orleans. Andrews says once students learn the brass traditions they can be creative and take the music in their own direction.

Discussion questions

1. Essential question: Why has music played such an important role in societies throughout history?
2. What skills do you think Trombone Shorty has developed in his life that has made him a successful musician?
3. Were you familiar with some of Trombone Shorty’s mentors? How could you find out more about them? Do you think it’s important for young people to have mentors? Why or why not?
4. Do you agree with Andrews that it’s important to learn about different kinds of music when studying to be a musician? What about as a music listener? Explain your answer.
5. Why did Andrews decide to start the Trombone Shorty Academy?

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