The Roots of Music empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support, and mentoring, while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of the city. Co-founded in 2007 by Derrick Tabb, snare drummer for the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band and 2009 CNN Hero, Roots serves kids ages 9-14 from low-income households across the city and strives to use music as a tool for teaching students the skills they need to lead positive and productive lives. The year-round after-school program provides music classes and performance opportunities, academic support and homework assistance, instruments and maintenance, round-trip transportation, and daily hot meals to its students five days a week, 12 months a year, all free of charge. The Roots of Music serves more than 150 children from over 40 different schools throughout Orleans Parish each year.
