WWOZ will feature the Trombone Shorty Academy Brass Band in its monthly series Cuttin’ Class, On Thursday, November 12th at 11:30 a.m.

The program showcases high school brass bands and youth music education, broadcasting the young performers live from WWOZ’s studios in the French Quarter. Bands play three songs interspersed with interviews with the schools’ band directors and students.

“WWOZ felt it was important to reach out to the schools and include them in our programming. After all, our high school band departments nurture the future generations of New Orleans musicians that will carry on our musical and cultural traditions,” said  Cuttin’ Class co-producer in a press statement last September. “We also want to highlight the band directors who are among our city’s numerous unsung heroes. …they are giving our kids skills they will use throughout their lifetimes, even if they pursue careers outside of music.”

Episode 3 of the Fall 2015 season features the Trombone Shorty Academy Brass Band, is an educational initiative started by Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews gathering students from different schools under the direction of Soul Rebels members Erion Williams and Edward Lee, and leader of New Breed Brass Band Jenard Andrews.

“We are thrilled to continue teaching young New Orleans musicians about our city’s musical legacy and how to succeed in the music business,” said Trombone Shorty told OffBeat ahead of the auditions for the brass band last September. “Watching the next generation develop into great performers as well as great people has truly inspired me.”

“He knows how crucial it is for young people to learn music from working musicians. He’s eager to pass on what he has learned to them,” said Soul Rebel Williams about Trombone Shorty in a public statement. “And the kids are just great! They keep us on our toes, for sure.”

The series has been running for two years and has showcased more than 20 bands. Next episode will air on Thursday, December 17th at noon and will feature KIPP – Central City Academy under the direction of Joshua Speight.