[1] The organization operates an after-school program which provides academic tutoring and music mentoring for at-risk middle school students ages 9–14.

Rebirth Brass Band snare drummer, Derrick Tabb and Allison Reinhardt developed a plan to establish a youth organization for music that would be citywide with the primary objective being to keep young children off the streets and provide a safe haven during peak times of gun violence - 3pm to 7pm.

[2][3] For the first hour and a half of the after-school program, the students receive assistance with homework assignments and academic tutoring in core subjects as needed.

Members of the Rebirth Brass Band and other New Orleans area music professionals support the program through mentoring and marching practice.

[2][7] Aside from academic and music education, the organization strives to instill self-discipline, offers mentoring and guidance counseling and has the support of mental health professionals.

[8] Students of the Roots of Music after-school program must be between the age of 9 and 14 years old, qualify for free or reduced lunch, and attend a school in Orleans Parish.

[5] In 2015, Roots performed for President Barack Obama during his visit to New Orleans to commemorate the 10th year since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area.

[18] Roots alumnus, Jazz Henry, performed at the Essence Music Festival in 2012[19] and in JazzFest 2014 with The Original Pinettes Brass Band.