The Roots of Music

08/28/2026

Give 8/28 Day is here! 🎶

The giving window closes at midnight,
so don’t delay!

Today is your chance to invest in the young people who will shape the future of New Orleans.

The Roots of Music empowers youth through music education, academic support, and mentorship, all while preserving and promoting our city’s unique musical heritage. Your gift makes more of these opportunities available at no cost to participating families.

Give now and help The Roots of Music continue our mission of transforming lives through music. 💛🖤

08/18/2026

Save the Date!

For 19 years, The Roots of Music has transformed lives through music and opportunity. This November, we invite you to celebrate the students, families, and supporters who make our mission possible.

Join us for our annual Home Sweet Home Gala.

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍5010 Piety Dr, New Orleans, LA 70126

Stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to celebrate with you!💛🎶

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day, and we're celebrating the community that has supported The Roots of Music for nearly 20 years. 🖤💛

What began with a belief in the power of music has grown into a place where young people across New Orleans can discover their talents and grow both as musicians and individuals.

None of it happens without a community that believes in our students and chooses to invest in them. Today, we're grateful for everyone who has become part of the Roots family and helped us continue building something that shapes the future of New Orleans.

Happy from The Roots of Music! 🎶

08/12/2026

🗳️ Vote for Roots!

We’re nominated for Favorite Music Program (Not Affiliated with a School) in NOLA Family’s 2026 Family Favorites!

Voting ends August 15! 🗓️

Vote Here! https://nolafamily.com/family-favorites/

08/10/2026

🎶 Expanding Creative Career Pathways Town Hall Series

Calling all music educators, aspiring musicians, and music-loving families!

Join The Roots of Music at the NOMEC Back to School Jam and connect with New Orleans' leading youth music organizations all in one place.

📅 Saturday, August 15
10:00–11:00 AM: Professional Development for Music Educators (Instrument Repair)
11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Music Education Fair (Open to the Public)

📍 New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA)
2800 Chartres St.
New Orleans, LA 70117

08/07/2026

Happy Birthday, Kalea! 🎉💙

Today we're celebrating Kalea, our Fundraising and Events Manager, and one of the newest members of The Roots of Music team.

Since joining the team this spring, Kalea has embraced our mission with genuine care and has become a wonderful part of our community. Her love for New Orleans, the arts, and creating opportunities for young people shines through in the work she does every day, and we're excited to have her helping write the next chapter of The Roots of Music.

Kalea, we hope your birthday is filled with all the joy you bring to those around you. Thank you for choosing to be part of our Roots family. Please join us in wishing her a very happy birthday! 🎂🎶

08/06/2026

Applications Are Now Open!

Applications are now open for youth ages 9–14 to join The Roots of Music!

We're currently accepting applications only for the following instruments:

Bass Drum
Saxophone
Flute
Clarinet
Piccolo
Tuba
If your child is ready to learn, to grow, and to perform as part of one of New Orleans' premier youth music programs, now is the time to apply!

Please note that we are accepting applications for these instruments only.

📅 Application Deadline: August 31

Apply today: https://form.jotform.com/222858753178065? mc_cid=43025061c3&mc_eid=UNIQID

08/05/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Ms. Twin!

Today we're celebrating a wonderful educator whose passion for music shines through in every rehearsal and every student she teaches.

Ms. Twin believes that confidence is built one practice session at a time, and she challenges our woodwind students to grow not only as musicians, but as young leaders. Her encouragement and dedication help make The Roots of Music a place where students can thrive, we love her for it!

Please join us in wishing Ms. Twin a very happy birthday! 🎶🥳

08/04/2026

August is Black Philanthropy Month 🖤💛

Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration of generosity, community leadership, and the power of giving across the African diaspora.

At The Roots of Music, we see that spirit every day. Every gift helps ensure that New Orleans' musical traditions continue to thrive while opening doors for the young people who will carry them forward. We are grateful for every person who believes in our mission and invests in the future of our students.

This month, we celebrate the power of investing in our communities and the people working every day to create a brighter future.

Give Black. Give Back to Our Roots. 🖤🎺
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/blackphilanthropymonth/

07/31/2026

The Marching Crusaders are excited to kick things off! 🖤💛🎼Derrick Tabb Veronique Dorsey

New Orleans celebrates Louis Armstrong's 125th birthday this weekend with Satchmo SummerFest in and around the New Orleans Jazz Museum!

The Roots of Music "Satchmo Soundoff" kicks off the festivities at 11:30am Saturday in front of the "Friends of Fest" Stage (Barracks St. side).

📷 Michael E. McAndrew