Since his nomination as CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2009, Derrick Tabb has perhaps received more attention for his work helping New Orleans’ kids than for his role as snare drummer in the mighty Rebirth Brass Band. Each day after school at the Jackson Square Cabildo (the use of which was made possible by Mayor Mitch Landrieu), Tabb’s Roots of Music Foundation provides free music education—instruments included—to approximately 125 local children ages nine through 14. Kids need no music background to participate, just a 2.5 grade point average at a school lacking a music program. These days, kids might also need a lot of patience as well, as Roots of Music currently boasts a 500-plus person waiting list…

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