ArtPlay's Lunch & Learn Series Lunch & Learn: Preservation Hall Foundation

Join ArtPlay during your lunch hour over Zoom as we explore the rich history of New Orleans Jazz. This event features the Preservation Hall Foundation and is led by Musical Director Wendell Brunious, Preservation Hall Jazz Band trumpeter and bandleader Branden Lewis, and Digital Learning Specialist JoDee Scissors. They will share immersive educational resources and programs to engage learners of all ages in New Orleans music, history, and culture. Tune in for this impactful learning experience to protect, preserve, and perpetuate New Orleans’ musical and cultural traditions.

About The Preservation Hall Foundation

The Preservation Hall Foundation is based on the

ethos, values and practices of Preservation Hall: and brings them to life in classrooms, detention centers, concert venues, and community centers around New Orleans, the nation, and the world. We work to protect, preserve, and perpetuate the musical traditions and heritage of New Orleans through the Foundation’s four program areas: Education, Community Engagement, Legacy and Archives.

Speakers

Wendell Brunious, Trumpet | Preservation Hall Foundation Master Practitioner

Wendell Brunious, a master trumpeter and vocalist, hails from a distinguished musical family. The son of trumpet master John “Picket” Brunious Sr. and niece of guitarist Willie Santiago, Wendell developed his skills with the Olympia Brass Band under his cousin, Harold Dejan. Deeply knowledgeable in jazz tradition, he often shares wisdom from his father and other legendary artists.

Branden Lewis, Trumpet | Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Branden Lewis grew up playing trumpet in church, school marching bands, and top youth orchestras in Los Angeles. Inspired by his Grammy-winning grandfather, James Victor Lewis, Branden moved to New Orleans in 2012 to pursue a music career. Since joining the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in 2016, he has performed with Stevie Wonder, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Arcade Fire, and many more.

JoDee Scissors, Digital Learning Specialist | Preservation Hall Foundation

JoDee Scissors is a digital learning specialist and arts integration leader at the Preservation Hall Foundation. She collaborates with teaching artists to create immersive, free digital resources. With 13 years of classroom experience, JoDee uses arts and technology to enhance academic and social-emotional learning. Her work has been featured in Washington Family, New Orleans Magazine, Edutopia, and The Advocate.