Our program will provide a unique hands-on music curriculum through history, theory, instrumental instruction, field trips, as well as performances with regular appearances by New Orleans most admired and sought after musicians. The Roots of Music's goal is to present our students with the necessary skills to perpetuate New Orleans' unique musical tradition. By rekindling the marching band culture for our youth, we commit ourselves to preserving our musical heritage, provide the essential musical element in New Orleans national tourism campaigns and most importantly, getting kids off the streets.

The Roots of Music program will provide hands-on music curriculum incorporating music history, theory, instrumental instruction, ensemble performance, and regular appearances by some of New Orleans' musical legends. Youth between the ages of 9-14 will participate in year-round music education with the goal of becoming a member of a citywide marching band. The Roots of Music will be free for students; however, participation in the band is contingent upon maintaining a 2.5 GPA in school. To this end, the program will also offer academic tutoring.

All students are invited to participate. After an interview process, students will be divided into three groups:

• Beginners - Fundamentals of Music Education
• Intermediate - Comprehensive Music Instruction
• Advanced - Citywide Marching Band

The business of music will also be an important emphasis within the music program. Field trips and special guests will address the ability to earn a living through music. Visits to university football games, for example, can demonstrate that many university marching band members have received music scholarships, which provide access to higher education. Topics such as copyrights and music licensing will be discussed.

Moreover, the identified space will not only house the music program, but also generate revenues through the rental of music studios and practice space for area bands. This helps to sustain the program financially and provide students with direct access to New Orleans musicians. They will see and hear local musicians every week. Those musicians will be invited to speak on a number of topics, including the business of music.

The program will use positive incentives to keep kids in the program. Aside from access to free music education, well-known musicians, and The Root Crusaders Marching Band, the program will also host parties periodically, where children can socialize with friends, eat pizza, and play music. Moreover, students will be rewarded for good grades. For each A on his or her report card, the student will receive credits to use toward fun items like Roots of Music t-shirts, snacks, and pizza parties. Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in order to participate in the citywide marching band; however, no student will be asked to leave the program due to poor grades.

Rewards for making The Root Crusaders Marching Band are many. First, students will be part of something special, providing a team atmosphere and structure. Second, marching band participants have opportunity for travel. The band will travel across the United States for competitions as well as to showcase New Orleans talent. For many low-income families, travel outside of the city is not financially feasible. This incentive will be a powerful one for low-income students in the program.