Derrick Tabb and The Roots of Music create the next generation of New Orleans musicians. We began as a six-week drum camp during the summer of 2007 in response to the lack of youth programming available after Hurricane Katrina. The program was designed for 20 youths and included free transportation, instruments, and a snack. On the first day, 42 youths showed up. On the second day, over 60 arrived. Before the first week was over, over 100 youths were standing outside of the famed Tipitina’s music venue waiting for “Uncle Derrick.”
As the city built back, Derrick realized that our youth were being left behind, as were our marching bands. Music education was not prioritized after the storm and he feared we would lose our youth and our traditions to crime and neglect. To prevent that loss, he created The Roots of Music. Nearly 15 years later, we offer year-round music education, academic enrichment and support, healthy meals, and free transportation and instruments. We also provide social service support, workforce development training, and a sense of family and communion for our city. We invest roughly $5,000 in each child we serve across three programs: Sprouts of Music (ages 5 - 8), Marching Crusader Band (ages 9 - 14), and The Roots Studio Academy (ages 15 - 19).
We employ some of the city and nation’s most talented musicians who pass their art to the next generation, ensuring that strong cultural tapestry is woven back to its pre-storm strength - and stronger. Our programming has won multiple awards including The Arhoolie Award, The Adolf Busch Award, and a two-time finalist for The Lewis Prize. Our founder, Derrick Tabb, has received a CNN Hero Award, Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award as well as multiple accolades for his musicianship, including a Grammy.
You can hire The Roots of Music to play traditional New Orleans marching band music and brass band music. We have performed for local audiences, on national television, and toured nationally and internationally.

Information Provided by Artist