Pinettes Brass Band

Founded 1991

World's Only All Female Brass Band

History of the Pinettes Brass Band

The Pinettes Brass Band

Whoever said, "A dream can't become reality" didn't know The Pinettes Brass Band

The late New Orleans jazz legend, Danny Barker, often lamented that though many young girls vigorously played trumpets, clarinets and drums with high school marching bands, few pursued their instruments beyond that setting.

Barker, a man whose direct influences can be heard through such diverse New Orleans musicians such as his wife, the late Blue Lu Barker, Louis Armstrong, and New Orleans' ever-popular ambassador of music, Dr. John, correctly observed the lack of females playing professionally, and in particular, their absence in brass bands. That is, until recently.

The Pinettes Brass Band, the world's only all female brass band, was formed by Jeffery Herbert in 1991. Each member, born and raised raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended St. Mary's Academy High School, an all-girl catholic school. Beginning with 16 or more members, the Pinettes ended up with not only St. Mary's females, but other females around town.

Following graduation, however, life's callings - furthering their educations, marriage and families took center stage, and the Pinettes were forced to put their music on hold.

Their private lives have settled down a bit, and when the ladies regrouped before Katrina and began performing at local clubs and social events, three years ago, the Pinettes jump-started the release of the group's first album, " Who You Gonna Call ".

The Pinettes Brass Band can be seen at many different venues, such as: The Jazz & Heritage Festival, The Satchmo Festival, The Krewe of Muses parade (an all female parade in New Orleans, Louisiana), and The French Quarter Festival, just to name a few. The ladies also have a long resume around town for doing parties, wedding, conventions, schools, nursing homes, etc.... The band being all female, seems to bring more passion, syncopation, and knowledge than does many other male brass bands around the city.  

And these ladies, aren't just good looking air heads either, they specialize in other careers, also. From a school teacher to a computer tech, the ladies are mothers and wives. Nothing, seems to get in the way of these ladies who consider one another sisters. 

On board for one of the most interesting brassy bravado are;  snare drummer Christie Jourdain, bass drummer Casandra "Tori" French, trumpet player Careese McGee   saxophonist Natasha Harris, trombonist Dionne Harrison , premier trumpeter  Careese McGee , and tuba player Janine "Tuba Shorty" Waters.

The Pinettes' appearances on the music scene has included performances at some of New Orleans' premiere music venues including; Tipitina's, Donna's, The House of Blues, the Maple Leaf, and Generations Hall. The band has again been invited to play at New Orleans' grandest party - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

 "Not even Hurricane Katrina could stop us from doing what we love." Said Janine Waters of the band. "The band members were misplaced after the storm hit. We were in six different cities, not knowing if everyone (and their families) made it out safely. But now, we are back like you never heard us before. The Pinettes Brass Band is here to Stay... Thank you God!"

 A member of the group since it's inception, her day job is that of high school chemistry teacher! What's it been like making it in the male-dominated world of brass bands?  "It's been rough sometimes. We're girls trying to break in to what has traditionally been an all-boys club. We're eternally grateful for the support and encouragement we've received from some of the Mardi Gras Indians  and the Queen, Marva Wright." 

The all-girl band concept is not only a great drawing card, but the fact that they can go toe-to-toe with the best of them and maintain their femininity is what really mesmerizes the crowd. I'm crazy about them, and believe me, they can blow the roof of a place!"

  The band can be seen at many different venues, such as: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, The Satchmo Festival, The Krewe of Muses parade, and the French Quarter Fest, just to name a few. 

 Today, the band is still on the journey of becoming the best in the industry and to execute their single goal of no less than to take over this male dominated industry. The Pinettes Brass Band dream is to travel worldwide and to show everyone that music is definitely a universal language.