Lawrence Rawlins is band director for The Roots of Music. The Roots of Music is a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youths from ages nine to fourteen by providing a tuition-free, year-round music and academic mentoring program. Lawrence notes that although The Roots of Music is primarily about music, Tulane and Xavier Universities and Delgado Community College have helped with the academic portion of the program. In addition to their musical and academic training, the children who participate in the program also receive hot meals and transportation to and from the program. The Roots of Music was designed to keep kids off the street and out of trouble. Lawrence describes his role as band leader and explains why he is dedicated to the program and to the kids it serves. Listen here!