Biography
The Original Pinettes Brass Band, founded in 1991 at St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans, is celebrated as the world's first and only all-female brass band. The group was formed under the guidance of band director Jeffery C. Herbert, who was inspired to create a female counterpart to his own ensemble, the Original Pinstripe Brass Band. Initially composed of about sixteen students, the Pinettes quickly became a unique presence in the male-dominated New Orleans brass band scene, performing traditional and contemporary brass band music at school events and local parades.
Over the years, the Pinettes evolved into a multigenerational institution, weathering significant challenges such as Hurricane Katrina, which displaced many members and threatened the band's survival. Under the leadership of snare drummer Christie Jourdain, the band rebuilt and diversified, recruiting women from various New Orleans schools and backgrounds. Their perseverance paid off in 2013 when they won the Red Bull 'Street Kings' competition, earning the title 'Street Queens' and gaining widespread respect. The Pinettes have since performed at major festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Essence Music Festival, as well as internationally in Turkey and Switzerland. Their musical style blends New Orleans jazz, second line rhythms, and contemporary influences, championing both tradition and innovation while breaking gender barriers in brass band music.
Fun Facts
- The Pinettes were originally formed to help some students pay their school tuition by capitalizing on the novelty and potential commercial success of an all-female brass band.
- After winning the 2013 Red Bull 'Street Kings' competition, the event was renamed 'Street Queens' in their honor.
- The band has performed internationally, including in Turkey and at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
- Despite early skepticism and being dismissed as a novelty, the Pinettes have become respected headliners at major New Orleans festivals and have played with artists like Arcade Fire and Katy Perry.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jeffery C. Herbert - Band director at St. Mary's Academy and founder/manager of the Pinettes; member of the Original Pinstripe Brass Band (Formation and early management of the Pinettes Brass Band) [1991-1998]
Key Collaborators
- Christie Jourdain - Band leader, snare drummer, and key figure in rebuilding and leading the band post-Katrina (Leadership, performances, and album 'Finally' (2013)) [1991-present]
- Demaries Holmes - Tuba player and core band member (Live performances and recordings) [various years]
- Arcade Fire - Shared stage/performance collaboration (Live performances) [2010s]
- Katy Perry - Shared stage/performance collaboration (Live performances) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Women brass musicians in New Orleans and beyond - Inspired and paved the way for female musicians in the brass band tradition (Ongoing performances, mentorship, and visibility) [1991-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Ladies Night (Mind Gone)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Pinettes Brass Band has been played 18 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.