2025 HBCUI Intern & 2026 HBCUI Intern.
BIOGRAPHY
Timothy Brown II, a Mississippi native and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, served as an Interpreting American Music Intern at New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park through the HBCUI Internship Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance with a minor in Mass Communications.
Prior to his internship, Timothy built a strong foundation as a percussionist, performer, and music educator. He performed throughout New Orleans with organizations including the Congo Square Preservation Society and developed experience in music production, archives, broadcasting, and live-event support. His passion for preserving and sharing musical traditions made him a natural fit for a role dedicated to interpreting one of America’s most influential art forms.
During his internship, Timothy supported the park’s mission of preserving and promoting jazz through public performances, educational programming, audio production, and visitor engagement. Working alongside park staff and professional musicians, he helped connect visitors to the history, culture, and continued evolution of New Orleans jazz through both live and digital interpretation.
The experience strengthened his skills in performance, audio engineering, interpretive communication, and public engagement while reinforcing his commitment to music education, cultural preservation, and the performing arts.
Education & Experience
Education
Xavier University of Louisiana
NPS SITE
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
POSITION
Interpreting American Music
Internship Project
As an Interpreting American Music Intern, Timothy contributed to the preservation and public interpretation of jazz through performances, educational programming, and audio production support. His work included assisting with live concerts, supporting sound-system setup and recording activities, and helping develop educational materials that introduced visitors to the history and significance of New Orleans jazz.
Through these efforts, Timothy helped advance the park’s mission of preserving jazz as an original American art form while making its history and cultural importance accessible to visitors from around the world.
Skills Developed & Accomplishments
Skills Developed
- Audio Engineering and Sound Production
- Live Musical Performance
- Interpretive Communication
- Visitor Engagement
- Educational Programming Support
- Team Collaboration
- Public Speaking and Presentation
- Cultural Resource Interpretation
Accomplishments
- Performed in more than 20 public concerts reaching over 3,000 visitors.
- Assisted with sound-system calibration and live-recording documentation.
- Produced educational media explaining musical interpretation and performance techniques.
- Supported visitor engagement activities through music-based interpretation.
- Contributed to the preservation and public understanding of New Orleans jazz traditions.
Testimonial
“I’ve developed a skill in working audio, great communication with visitors that are new to New Orleans, and performing with the Arrowhead Jazz Band.” — Timothy Brown II
Music In Action
Throughout his internship, Timothy performed as part of public programs and concerts that introduced visitors to traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, gospel, and related musical traditions. Working alongside National Park Service musicians and local artists, he helped bring history to life through live performance while supporting the park’s mission of preserving and sharing America’s musical heritage. His work with the Arrowhead Jazz Band provided visitors with an authentic connection to the living traditions of New Orleans music.
