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Monday 3:30pm - 7pm Tuesday 3:30pm - 7pm Wednesday 3:30pm - 7pm Thursday 3:30pm - 7pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

The Roots of Music

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New Orleans, LA
The Roots of Music

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We believe music has the power to transform lives.

10/16/2026

A performance might last a few minutes. 🎶

The work behind it happens all week.

For our Marching Crusaders, a day at Roots can include the ride to campus, a hot meal, homework or tutoring support, time with trusted adults, warm-ups, sectionals, full-band rehearsal, and the ride home.

And our students aren't just hitting the right notes in music! 📚👏🏼 We're so proud to see our Marching Crusaders excelling in the classroom and showing off the grades they've worked hard to earn. Their dedication and accomplishments deserve just as much applause as their performances!

Music is the thread running through it all, but the goal is bigger than learning the right notes.

It’s building consistency. Learning to work with others. Finding confidence. Having a place to show up, be challenged, and know that people are expecting you.

This is what growing through music looks like on an ordinary day at Roots. 💛🖤

10/06/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that our founder and executive director, Derrick Tabb, has been named a 2026 Wilmers Integrity Prize winner! 🏆 🎉

The Wilmers Integrity Prize was established in 2019, named for Robert G. Wilmers, the late chairman and CEO of M&T Bank, to honor integrity in leadership and service to the community.

This recognition honors something the Roots community has seen in Derrick for nearly two decades: an unwavering commitment to showing up for young people and creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and thrive.

What began with a belief that staying with young people can change lives has grown into nearly 20 years of music, mentorship, and community at The Roots of Music. This award is a meaningful recognition of the integrity and dedication Derrick brings to that work every day.

Congratulations to Derrick and fellow 2026 Wilmers Integrity Prize winners Joelle Formato and Alan Shapiro. We’re honored to celebrate this moment alongside you.

Congratulations, Derrick! Your Roots family is so proud of you. 💛🎺🏆

10/02/2026

Happy Birthday, Roots!! 🥳 Today, The Roots of Music turns 19 and begins our 20th year of serving New Orleans youth!

What began in 2007 as a six-week drum camp has grown into a year-round community where young people learn music, build confidence, find trusted mentors, make lifelong friends, and discover what is possible for their futures.

Sharing this moment with our community means so much to us! Thank you for every encouraging word, the countless volunteer hours, cheering from the neutral ground, and the generous donations that have made the past 19 years a journey we can be proud of. 🎉

09/29/2026

Thinking about sponsoring Home Sweet Home? 🎶💛🖤
Here’s what to know.

Your sponsorship supports year-round opportunities for New Orleans youth through music education, mentorship, and wraparound support.

Depending on your level, sponsorship benefits can include Patron Party access, Gala tickets, reserved seating, and recognition across event and campaign materials.

And the sooner you confirm, the more opportunities we have to recognize your partnership leading up to November 14.

Swipe through for the details, then find the sponsorship level that fits you!

Check out sponsorship opportunities here! https://secure.qgiv.com/for/therootsofmusic/event/homesweethomegala2026/

09/22/2026

Good music. Good people.

A room worth being in. 🎶

The Home Sweet Home Gala brings the Roots community together for a night of connection, celebration, and support for the next generation of New Orleans musicians.

Come see what home feels like.

09/21/2026

Meet the Majors of The Roots of Music!

At The Roots of Music, leadership is about more than standing at the front of the band. It means growing with purpose, looking out for others, and helping the whole band move forward together. Meet the Majors! celebrates the young musicians who bring that spirit to life. Today, we're excited for you to meet Kylah P., whose journey reflects the power of music to create a positive path and inspire others along the way.

Kylah P., 13 | Piccolo
What does being a drum major mean to you?
“Being a drum major means showing the new kids right from wrong and making sure everyone is on the same page about expectations and rules.”

What are you working toward next?
“I am working toward becoming a music instructor because music is my passion. I would like to pass on my skills to someone who wants to learn.”

People might be surprised to know that…
“I am a funny, loud person with a bubbly personality, but when it’s time to stop playing and get to work, I know when to focus.”

09/16/2026

The first step towards greatness starts with seeing what’s possible 🎶

This week, our students welcomed Kaia Taylor from Berklee College of Music Admissions to The Roots of Music as part of Berklee’s fall recruitment visit to New Orleans.

Kaia talked with students about what it’s like to pursue music in college, the opportunities available at Berklee, and the Aspire summer program. Her presentation gave them a chance to ask questions and imagine where their own musicianship could take them.

This conversation builds on a partnership we’re especially proud of. Berklee is already part of the way our students learn and grow: Roots uses the Berklee PULSE curriculum, and each year, students have opportunities to continue developing their skills through Berklee’s Aspire summer program.

For our young musicians, partnerships like this make the path from today’s rehearsal room to tomorrow’s opportunities feel a little more real.

Thank you, Kaia and Berklee, for investing your time in the next generation of New Orleans musicians!

09/15/2026

🥁 Happy Birthday to Derrick Tabb, Jr.! 🎉

Roots is quite literally in Lil’ Derrick’s blood. He was here as his dad built this program from the ground up. Lil’ Derrick grew up as one of our students. Today, he’s helping raise the next generation of Roots musicians as our marching instructor and assistant drum teacher.
And the family tradition is already continuing. Lil’ Derrick often brings his 3-year-old son, Nyko, to Roots, where our honorary Drum Major has become one of the most joyful little presences on campus.

Having him here is a special reminder of what Roots is all about: young people growing up surrounded by music, community, and people who believe in them, then carrying that experience forward.

We’re so glad Lil’ Derrick continues to be part of the Roots story. Help us wish him a very happy birthday! 🎂🎶

09/14/2026

The Roots of Music was honored to be part of Saturday’s celebration of the life and legacy of Mr. Jerome “Big Duck” Smith at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
Through music, we joined our New Orleans community in paying tribute to a life that touched so many. 🎺🥁🎶

May his legacy continue to inspire generations of young musicians and all those who were fortunate enough to know his impact.
Rest well, Big Duck. Your legacy lives on. 🕊️🖤💛

09/09/2026

Sponsorships are now open for the 2026 Home Sweet Home Gala!

On November 14, The Roots of Music will bring our community together for an evening celebrating the young people, music, and culture at the heart of New Orleans.

Sponsoring Home Sweet Home is more than supporting one night. It is an investment in long-term opportunity for New Orleans youth and in the cultural legacy they are helping carry forward.

Your partnership helps sustain year-round music education, mentorship, instruments, transportation, meals, academic support, and more — ensuring that young people can fully participate at no cost to their families.

We invite companies, foundations, local businesses, and individual patrons to come home with us as sponsors. Confirming your sponsorship early gives us more opportunities to recognize your partnership throughout the Gala campaign and more time to make the most of the experience for you and your guests.

Come home with us on November 14 and invest in what comes next for New Orleans. 💛🖤🎶

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/therootsofmusic/event/homesweethomegala2026/

Address

5010 Piety Drive
New Orleans, LA
70126

Opening Hours

Monday	3:30pm - 7pm
Tuesday	3:30pm - 7pm
Wednesday	3:30pm - 7pm
Thursday	3:30pm - 7pm
Saturday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

(504) 460-2611

Website

http://www.therootsofmusic.org/

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