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Derrick Tabb
As a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Derrick Tabb fully understands the challenges inner city youth face. After traveling the world as a member of the Rebirth Brass Band, Derrick returned home to make an impact, to empower the city’s youth through music and mentorship.
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Founder and Visionary
Derrick Tabb’s story begins in the heart of the Crescent City, where the challenges of growing up in a dangerous neighborhood shaped his resolve to make a difference. Inspired by the guidance of his junior high band director and his love for the snare drum, Derrick’s journey led him around the world with the acclaimed Rebirth Brass Band. But it was his return home after Hurricane Katrina that ignited a new mission: empowering kids who, like him, faced difficult choices growing up.
“I thought, if this cat could save me, if there were more of him, they could save even more kids,” says Derrick. “And that got me to start thinking at an early age about what my future looked like and what kind of program I could start.”
Roots of Music
What started as a dream has blossomed into a lifeline for hundreds of New Orleans youth. The Roots of Music isn't just an after-school program—it’s a safe haven. For children aged 9 to 14, it offers more than just musical training. Hot meals, transportation, and a caring environment ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances. Derrick knew from the start that music could do more than entertain—it could uplift, teach discipline, and offer a brighter future. The program teaches kids not just how to play instruments, but also how to be part of something bigger than themselves, sparking hope in those who need it most.
“Roots is a program for the city, for the kids of the city,” says Derrick. “Without a program like this, we will lose our sound. If we don’t provide them an outlet, we not only risk losing our music, but we risk losing our youth.”
Since its inception, the program has experienced rapid growth, with over 100 students now participating. Derrick continues to raise funds and spread awareness to expand the program, aiming to offer even more young people the opportunity to explore their musical talents. By growing the reach of the program, Derrick hopes to build a larger platform that not only serves the youth but also celebrates and preserves Louisiana’s unique culture for future generations.
Preserving Louisiana’s Sound
To Derrick, music is more than just notes on a page—it’s the heartbeat of his hometown, a living tradition passed down through generations. As school funding for the arts dwindles, he knew the city's signature brass band sound was at risk of fading away. That’s why The Roots of Music is fiercely loyal to preserving this heritage. Derrick and his team teach marching band and brass band music with the understanding that every lesson not only shapes young musicians but also safeguards the soul of New Orleans. He believes that if this music disappears, a vital piece of the city will be lost forever. His program is a bridge between past and future, ensuring that Louisiana’s unique sound lives on in the hands of the next generation.
Mentorship and Community
Mentorship plays a central role in The Roots of Music. Derrick and his team provide invaluable guidance and positive role models for at-risk youth, showing them how dedication to music and discipline can transform their lives. Through the program, these children gain confidence, structure, and a sense of community, all while learning that they can break free from negative influences and thrive in ways they might have never imagined.
