The Roots of Music

The Roots of Music is proud to announce its founder, native New Orleanian Derrick Tabb, is a finalist for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year having been selected by a CNN panel from over 9,000 individuals nominated. The honor of CNN Hero of the Year will be given to the finalist who receives the most votes from online voting by the general public, and will receive a cash award of $100,000 to go towards his or her special cause. The public can cast their votes as often as desired on the CNN website until November 19th with the winner being announced on Thanksgiving Day. To vote please visit CNN's website at http://www.cnn.com/HEROES and vote for Derrick Tabb.

The Roots of Music program is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Rebirth Brass band drummer, Derrick Tabb, Allison Reinhardt, and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. Having seen and experienced the losses of Hurricane Katrina and the daily challenges facing New Orleans' inner-city youths, they were concerned the youth and the music culture of New Orleans were in jeopardy of being lost. From this concern grew the idea and ultimately the formation of The Roots of Music as a free, after-school academic tutoring AND music education program for low-income middle-school students in New Orleans.

See the CNN video on the Roots of Music

The program now has over 100 students from financially challenged families participating in classes Tuesday through Friday and all day Saturday. Their weekday post school afternoons begin with academic tutoring by volunteers to assist in the child's learning and homework. Only after the completion of the tutoring sessions does the musical instruction begin.

The results have been incredible thus far as the program has grown from 0 to over 100 students. Currently, there are over 400 on the waiting list needing an opportunity. Academic results are even more impressive as 85% of the students have elevated their grades by one full letter. Musically, they have progressed from basic to accomplished, and now appear in many local recognizable events in our community such as Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, and many other venues. Equally impressive as the academic and musical accomplishments is the fact that the students average a 95% attendance rate.....they just do not want to miss a session.

If you would like more Information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Derrick Tabb, please call Allison Reinhardt at 504-460-5699 or email Allison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .