Originally from the east coast, Shirley began her trombone studies with James Biddlecome of the New York City Opera, and continued at the College of William and Mary with R. Scott McElroy of the Virginia Symphony. After earning her BA she moved to the Washington, DC area and played with local jazz bands including the James Bazen Big Band and the Tom Cunningham Orchestra, appearing at venues including Blues Alley.
Now living in San Diego, Shirley is thrilled to be a member of Big Band Express. In addition to her musical pursuits, she is an actor; a graduate of  The Second City Conservatory Program in Los Angeles.