The Roots of Music

Another non music related item I believe is much more important tan pointing you towards watching a prestige cable drama is directing you to the many different ways bands have engaged to support the communities they live in as well as other parts of the country.

The Rebirth Brass Band was affiliated with the founding go the Roots of Music, which is an after school program where students have the opportunity to learn instruments and perform New Orleans style brass music. The academy now serves over 140 students who participate in a parade band during Mardi Gras season.

I like how this organization serves multiple important purposes. It provides kids with an activity and a place that keeps them off the street during the late afternoon and early evening hours, provides music for the community, and helps teach students a skill that they can build a career from.

This is just one example of the many ways this type of traditional music can be used to get students involved and excited about making music in their community. I know there are other programs that focus on classical, jazz, and rock music in other cities throughout the country, but I've often wondered about a program such as this would function where students receive classical music training on "band" instruments and then apply them to a popular music style. I'm certainly glad to have come across this organization.