The Trombone Shorty Foundation will hold open tryouts for both the Music Academy and the Fredman Music Business Institute, both held at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall in partnership with Tulane’s School of Liberal Arts. The Music Academy will bring back three members of The Soul Rebels as program instructors this year: sousaphone player Edward Lee, Jr., saxophonist Erion Williams and trumpeter Julian Gosin, along with Jenard Andrews, drummer and leader of the New Breed Brass Band (and Trombone Shorty’s nephew). Two-time Grammy Award winner Chris Finney returns as lead instructor for the Fredman Music Business Institute. Students from both programs will participate in both a major holiday event at Tulane University, “Tunes for Toys,” as well as the Foundation’s Annual “Shorty Fest” concert held during Jazz Fest.

“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 Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who launched his foundation in 2011. “Watching the next generation develop into great performers as well as great people has truly inspired me.”