Roots of Music Inc

The Roots of Music is saving the youth of New Orleans through music and mentorship.

The Roots of MusicÕs mission is to preserve and promote the great music heritage of New Orleans by providing free music education, academic tutoring and mentorship to at risk youth. Our program provides a unique hands-on music curriculum through history, theory, instrumental instruction, field trips, physical conditioning as well as performances with regular appearances by New OrleansÕ most admired and sought after musicians. The Roots of Music's goal is to present our students with the necessary skills to perpetuate New OrleansÕ 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 important, keep children off the streets. Roots of Music is a free music education and academic mentoring program to the at-risk youth of New Orleans year round including the summer. We currently have 135 students enrolled in the program for 2010. The Roots of Music is a sorely needed prevention program serving at-risk youth, ages 9-14, deterring them from violence, truancy, school failure and criminal activities. Additionally, it is a skills training program, providing training in both hard and soft skills. Hard skills training includes musical instrument proficiency, music theory and music reading, study skills to learn music, and the requirements to be proficient in other academic areas for continued involvement. Soft skills training includes learning self-discipline and responsibility as well as how to be a contributing member of a group in order to have a common accomplishment. Outcomes from the 2009 program included a high daily attendance, increased music proficiency (music theory, music understanding as well as performance on each studentÕs specific instrument), and a growing parent participation rate. Also, we have seen an increase in student school attendance and academic achievement, as well as decreased referral and suspension rates at participating studentsÕ regular schools. December 2009 we had 20 students achieved Honor Roll and 6 of them earned straight AÕs on his/her academic report card. Students marched in 6 Mardi Gras parades this year including the New Orleans Saints Super bowl celebration parade. Roots of Music was also included as CNN Hero Finalist for 2009. Consequently, The Roots of Music has a waiting list of over 400 New Orleans at-risk middle-schoolers with no alternative tuition free program to attend. Curently we have 4 administrative staff and 4 music teachers overseeing the program.