The Roots of Music

The Roots of Music, founded by Derrick Tabb of the Rebirth Brass Band along with Allison Reinhardt, empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support and mentorship, while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of our city. We believe music has the power to transform lives. Our goal is to provide our kids with the resources they need to lead positive, productive, self-reliant lives.

The Roots of Music provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation for the youth of New Orleans. We serve kids ages 9-14 from low-income households, and provide our students with hot meals and round-trip transportation to reduce common barriers to participation. Five days a week, 12 months a year, our program delivers over 2,500 hours of music education and other academic tutoring, over 30,400 nutritious hot meals, 1,400 bus journeys, and supplies over 150 instruments for student use.

Visit The Roots of Music website to learn more.