This week, the Roots of Music was announced as one of the ten finalists for The Lewis Prize for Music.  

According to its website, “The mission of the Lewis Prize is to partner with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through music.” The foundation states that, “We believe young people with access to high-quality music learning, performance and creation opportunities will mature into thriving individuals.” Roots of Music has proven, over and over again, that this is the case. 

Roots of Music never slacks on the quality of music education but the program is, at its core, about so much more. “When young people are at Roots, I know they’re safe. They have tutors, they get fed, they have transportation, and they have music. We have to teach about discipline first, before introducing any instruments, because you have to learn how to sit down and keep still and learn. We teach young people about getting positive attention instead of getting attention for the wrong reasons,” says Artistic Director Derrick Tabb.

A full decade ago, Derrick was recognized as the “Hero of the Year” for his work with Roots and he is still just as involved to this day. The whole staff works tirelessly to create consistency and support for the students. “I am inspired by watching the students grow musically, socially, and academically during their time at Roots of Music,” says Executive Director Morgan Stewart.

“By supporting music leaders to continue their great work, we hope to inspire other partners to work together to ensure every young person has the opportunity to access transformative music learning, performance and creation” states the Lewis Prize Foundation. It sounds like they’ve found their match in Derrick.  

This generous, multi-year grant of $500,000 could keep Root of Music going for a long time. 

The official winner will be announced in January.

Read more about Daniel R. Lewis, his foundation and the other finalists here.