US: Young musicians graduate amid pandemic

Derrick Tabb knew his music students had a challenging year but wasn't going to let coronavirus pandemic keep him from celebrating this year's graduating class of ' Roots of Music' program that he helped establish in New Orleans.

longtime member of Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a co-founder of Roots of Music, a n-profit organization that sponsors an after-school academic and music program for children in New Orleans.

"We started this program to give kids opportunity to learn and become professionals in music," Tabb said.

Kwing how important music culture is to New Orleans – how deep city's musical roots run – Tabb wanted to make sure this year's graduating class, like those before, had opportunity to perform for friends and family.

y held ir end of year concert outside, in a church parking lot, and friends and family were invited to stream performance online, while some clapped and cheered from behind face masks nearby.

Tabb says concert is a way for kids to be recognized for ir hard work and show friends and family what y've learned.

"I think this was first year I really actually cried," Tabb said, adding that struggles imposed by coronavirus - social distancing and early school closures - may ultimately make for better musicians.

"I think that that's going to give m will and want and to accept and enjoy opportunity y have to play ir horns, because y kw how it is to t have ir horns, t be able to play," he said.

Thirteen-year-old Lawrence Hore Jr. says he's "grown a lot" through Roots program.

"I started basically as a baby, and I've grown up to be one of best drummers in New Orleans right w," he said. "It helps me be a better drummer, and it helps me become a better young man.

(Representative Im)