Our Program

Dolores T. Aaron Academy opened its doors in 2013 with no music program to speak of. The first year the school was opened, founding band director Andy Bower and ReNEW staff worked to acquire funding to start a band program. In the 2014-2015 school year, enough instruments and funding had been acquired to start a small band. With just 25 members and covering only 6th and 7th grades, the first steps toward a band program were taken.

Now in year six, the DTA Band Program includes three ensembles (Concert Band, Marching Band, and the "Young Heroes" Brass Band) and offers instruction to approximately 120 students. The band has worked with the likes of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tank and the Bangas, Graham Nash, and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Ensembles from Canada, England, France, Brazil, and all over the U.S. have come to DTA for exchange concerts and guest performances, making it one of the most well-rounded band programs not only in the city, but in the country. DTA Band alumni can now be found in most high school bands in New Orleans, and early members are starting to reach the ranks of college music programs.