Pinettes Brass Band

Founded 1991

World's Only All Female Brass Band

History of 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 very recently.

In 1992, The Pinettes Brass Band broke that mold by becoming New Orleans' first and only all-female brass ensemble. While still enrolled at St. Mary's Academy, the band became active on the brass band scene, playing weddings, funerals and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. 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.

Now that their private lives have settled down, the ladies regrouped before Katrina and began performing at local clubs and social events. Three years ago, the Pinettes jump-started their return with the release of the group's first album, " Who You Gonna Call ".

On board for the brassy bravado are;  musical director/tuba player/trombonist Demaries "Dee" Brumfield, trumpeter Sheri Dominguez, bass drummer Casandra "Tori" French, snare drummer Christie Jourdain, saxophonist Nia Lassere, trombonist Janelle Massey, trumpeter Tenisha Thompson, and tuba player Janine "Tuba Shorty" Waters.

An original member of the band, Demaries Brumfield was the first Pinette tuba player. Now, she wears many hats! As musical director for the band, Demaries lays down the tuba lines in addition to playing trombone. But, she takes her cues from the other members of this democratically-run group, "We're all so musical...we'll pull licks from anywhere," says Demaries. "On a good day you'll hear us playing something by the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, or Sheri's main man, Stevie Wonder."

Recently, the Pinettes' ever-increasing activity on the scene has included performances at 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.

Although her introduction to music came in the form of a clarinet, which her mom felt was a more feminine instrument, Sheri Dominguez has made her mark with the trumpet.  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 the Wild Magnolias' Chief Bo Dollis and the Queen, Marva Wright."

According to their former manager, Glenn Gaines (who also managed The Wild Magnolias, Marva Wright, and Rockin' Dopsie, Jr.) "We've had several inquiries...the fascination reminds me of that of the Wild Magnolias. Some people come to see the Magnolias for the history and the suits, but they stay for the music and the show. The all-girl band concept is 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. The ladies also have a long resume around New Orleans for doing parties, weddings, conventions, funeral, etc... 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.