The Roots of Music is a program designed to preserve and promote the great music culture of New Orleans by addressing and meeting the needs of middle-school students' musical education in the city of New Orleans. The program was started by Derrick Tabb and is due to get under way later this summer or early Fall of '08.

Tabb is a drummer in the Rebirth Brass Band, one of New Orleans' premier groups. After the Federal Flood he overheard someone say, "If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem." His solution is to put together the city's largest marching band comprised of middle schools students from 20 different schools. He is bringing together veteran music educators as well as the community to help him with his solution.

We will follow Derrick over the next year or two as he pursues his dream. He's off to a great start and we can't wait to see his band of youngsters strut their stuff at the next parade. Take a closer look at Derek's plans at The Roots of Music website.