The Louisiana Trombone Collective

The Louisiana Trombone Collective (LTC) has officially launched as a nonprofit dedicated to promoting student success in the low brass community across South Louisiana, the United States, and abroad. Based in Lafayette, LTC is committed to creating supportive and empowering environments for trombonists of all ages and backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Founded and led by executive and creative director Dr. Benjamin Yates, the organization fosters collaboration and mentorship while encouraging artistic growth. “LTC seeks to inspire and elevate the voices of diverse trombonists to help ensure social change through positive experiences with music and art,” Yates said. Through performance, education, and outreach, the Collective aims to strengthen both individual musicians and the broader cultural landscape.

One of LTC’s international initiatives focuses on supporting school-aged music students in the Dominican Republic. The organization is currently seeking donations of used but playable trombones, as well as other brass and woodwind instruments, to assist developing school music programs there. Yates and colleagues collaborate with a local Dominican trombone organization to provide educational and performance opportunities for young musicians.

Closer to home, LTC is raising funds for a trombone lease-to-own program to benefit university students. Additional financial support helps cover private lessons, equipment, music books, degree resources, and chamber music scholarships. The Collective also works to celebrate Louisiana’s rich musical heritage through community engagement, performances, and educational programming.

Yates, an associate professor of low brass at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, teaches university students, K-12 learners, and community members. Through sustained fundraising and outreach, the Louisiana Trombone Collective continues to transform lives and communities through the power of music.