Mr. Tabb is a professional musician and major contributor to the music industry. He has performed with Rebirth Brass Band as the snare drummer for over 11years. Mr. Tabb owns and operates a fully equipped, full service, recording studio and is experienced in application of the related software. Mr. Tabb has extensive experience with school marching bands having served as the marching band drum instructor at John McDonough Senior High School (1993-94), Andrew J. Bell Middle School (1995) and McDonough 28 School (1996-1997).

Simply put, The ReBirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. ReBirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world's top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, ...it's clear that ReBirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat (July 2001)."

Troy Andrews has been playing music since he was a toddler. His musical family and participation in school marching bands paved the way to his very impressive musical resume. Mr. Andrews honed his music skills at Gregory Junior High playing trombone with the school marching band. In middle school, Mr. Andrews began to master his skill in music by learning the fundamentals of reading and writing. Mr. Andrews has since graduated from NOCCA. In addition to performing with and leading his own band, Orleans Avenue, Mr. Andrews has shared the stage with such other musical talents as, Lenny Kravitz, Kermit Ruffins, U2, Green Day, and many more.

To facilitate the academic aspects of the program, the Roots of Music organization will engage certified teachers on staff to provide necessary tutoring. We are proud to have the following educators committed to be our initial tutors and we expect to add more as the program grows and develops.

Andrea Boll holds a Masters Degree in Education of Fine Arts from the University of New Orleans.

Shelley Duttarer is a graduate of Berkeley University has been an academic educator at the grammar school-level for over 10 years.

(See above under Founders)

Allison Reinhardt has spent the last two years acting as a communications specialist/contact between musicians and national non-profit organizations. She offers experience in grant writing, marketing music, and strategy development as well as implementation.

Since Hurricane Katrina, Ellis Joseph has worked closely with Silence is Violence Musical Clinic in which he mentors kids in traditional brass band music. Joseph also participated in The ESSENCE Youth Outreach Program, working with kids from various backgrounds during the Annual Essence Music Festival. it is his extensive musical background and knowledge of the culture and community that makes Ellis Joseph a prime member of The Roots of Music.

Keith Frazier is an original member and founder of the Rebirth Brass Band. He took time off from the band to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Business. Since Hurricane Katrina, Keith has been the accounting manager for Rebirth full time. He continues as a musician, however, Mr. Frazier has built an office where he is able to conduct the financial management for Rebirth.

Philip Frazier is the leader of ReBirth. He founded ReBirth Brass Band in 1983 while attending the legendary musical incubator of Joseph S. Cark Sr. High School, located in the heart of New Orleans. Philip attributes his interest in forming a brass band to his upbringing in the Treme area of New Orleans where, as a kid, he was surrounded by the rich tradition of Mardi Gras Indians and the annual parades of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs.

Mr. Goldshine is the Executive Administrator of the famous Zabar's store in New York City. He has been a loyal visitor to New Orleans for years and has since developed many relationships within the music industry. Many area musicians look to Mr. Goldshine for trusted career and business advice.

Ms. Murphy sits on the Board of Directors of Murphy Oil. She has development experience with several 501(c)3 organizations. Ms. Murphy also sponsors many rebuilding projects in Pass Christian, Mississippi and organizes fundraising programs for non-profit organizations.

(See above under Founders)

(See above under Administrators)

(See above under Administrators)

(See above under Administrators)

The Roots of Music is pursuing various grant opportunities and fund raising vehicles in hopes of launching the program by 2008.

The Backbeat Foundation is the Fiscal Sponsor of the Roots of Music project. The Backbeat Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Louisiana non-profit corporation whose mission is to foster support of the rich New Orleans cultural heritage by providing assistance to local musical performers through both programming and resource assistance. The Foundation provides resources and support to musicians living and working in New Orleans to help ensure that the musical community and legacy of New Orleans has the opportunity to flourish again.

The Roots of Music program has already received significant support.

• Rebirth Brass Band
• Architecture for Humanity
• Terence Andrews
• Curtis Laub, Architect & YLC Rep
• George Mauer, IT Specialist
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• New Orleans Musician Clinic
• Mitch Landrieu, Lt. Governor
• Jazz Foundation of America/New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
• New Orleans Police Department
• Vana Acker
• Sydney Torres, SDT
• Rev. Sidney Joshua
• Young Leadership Council of New Orleans
• Silence Is Violence
• Tipitinas Foundation
• Cuba NOLA

In addition, the program will host fundraisers and solicit grants from local and national foundations