The Roots of Music celebrated a major leadership transition during its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 30, marking both a full circle moment for the organization and a new chapter in its nearly two decade mission of empowering youth through music education, mentorship, and cultural preservation.
Jaron “Bear” Williams, outgoing Band Director for The Roots of Music and former Marching Crusader, will transition to Southern University this month, where he will serve as head arranger for the world renowned Human Jukebox marching band.
Williams was a member of The Roots of Music’s Marching Crusaders as a child and was featured in the acclaimed documentary The Whole Gritty City. His musical talent and leadership potential were already evident at age 9. Over the years, he developed through the program as a student musician before eventually returning to lead the band himself, mentoring a new generation of young performers marching the same routes he once marched.
“Bear’s is part of why The Roots of Music exists. He is family to me; he and his brother really pushed me to start the program,” said Founder and Executive Director Derrick Tabb. “He came through this program as a child, grew into an incredible musician and leader, and came back home to lead the next generation. Now he’s stepping onto one of the biggest stages in HBCU band culture, and we could not be more proud of him.”
During the ceremony, The Roots of Music officially announced Veronique Dorsey as the organization’s new Band Director.
Dorsey was most recently a member of The Roots of Music instructional team, teaching both intermediate students and participants in the organization’s Sprouts of Music program. An accomplished trumpet player, she is also a member of the acclaimed Original Pinettes Brass Band, the internationally recognized all female brass band that performed during Super Bowl opening festivities last year.
Music and mentorship run deeply through Dorsey’s life and family history. She currently serves as interim Minister of Music at St. Peter Claver Church, stepping into the role following the unexpected passing of her mother, Veronica Downs Dorsey, last year, who also served as the church’s choir director.
Downs-Dorsey was a legendary New Orleans music educator who spent 30 years leading the acclaimed McDonogh 35 High School Gospel Choir, guiding the ensemble to multiple OffBeat Best of the Beat Awards and helping make it the first high school gospel choir to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The transition reflects a legacy of musical leadership and community stewardship that has shaped generations within one of New Orleans’ historic Black Catholic congregations and former home to The Roots of Music.
“She understands our students, our culture, and our mission deeply,” said Tabb. “She’s been helping shape young musicians for years, and we’re excited for this next chapter under her leadership. She is going to be great.”
This year’s graduation ceremony carried additional significance as it took place in The Roots of Music’s new permanent home in New Orleans East, representing a milestone moment for the organization and the community it serves.
Founded in 2007, The Roots of Music provides free year round music education, academic support, meals, transportation, and mentorship to youth ages 3-19 while preserving and promoting the unique musical traditions of New Orleans.
The May 30 ceremony served as both a celebration of student achievement and a symbolic passing of the torch between two leaders whose journeys reflect the enduring cultural pipeline The Roots of Music continues to build for young musicians across the city.
