US: Young musicians graduate amid pandemic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I think that that's going to give them the will and the want and to accept and enjoy the opportunity they have to play their horns, because they know how it is to not have their horns, not be able to play," he said.

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

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

(Representative Image)