- About TJ -

TJ started his musical career in the 6th grade and graduated high school in 2024 from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, FL. In his time at Douglas Anderson, TJ was a member of the nationally acclaimed Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble One, in which he performed at events such as the College Band Director's National Association Southern Division conference, The New York Wind Band Festival held at Carnegie Hall, the Western International Band Clinic, and the Jazz Educator's Network conference.

​Additionally, TJ has gotten the opportunity to attend summer festivals such as the International Trombone Festival and the Southeast Trombone Symposium, in which he was the winner of the 2024 STS Youth Solo Competition. He was also chosen as a member of the National Youth Orchestra 2 for the summer 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, traveling to New York, Miami, and the Dominican Republic.

TJ made his solo debut in the 2023 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Launy Grøndahl’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra. He was also featured in the 2024 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Concerto Competition, performing Alexandre Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique.

TJ currently attends the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, where he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in trombone performance, studying with Dr. Bradley Palmer. At CSU, TJ is a member of the highly regarded Schwob Trombone Ensemble, the Schwob Wind Ensemble directed by Dr. Jamie Nix, and the Schwob Philharmonic, conducted by Paul Hostetter.

Some of TJ’s musical mentors include, Christopher Bassett, bass trombonist of the San Fransisco Symphony, Brian Wendel, Megumi Kanda, David Schmidt, Don Zentz, Dr. Ken Williams, and his dad, Ted Shistle.

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TJ plays on an Edwards T350-CR-E tenor trombone.