"The Whole Gritty City": Meet the cast
The kids and teachers featured in "48 Hours Presents: The Whole Gritty City" have all lost someone to violence in New Orleans - a city with one of the highest murder rates in the country. But they all find refuge, purpose and joy in the band room.
A beginning trumpeter, 11-year-old Jaron Williams, known as Bear, is trumpet section leader for The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders.
Jaron "Bear" Williams
Bear practices trumpet in his doorway. The 11-year-old is the trumpet section leader for The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders in New Orleans.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Derrick Tabb
The Roots of Music founder Derrick Tabb is seen watching a
rehearsal. Tabb is also snare drummer in The Rebirth Brass Band. He modeled The
Roots of Music program after the middle school band he credits with saving his
life as a child.
Derrick Tabb
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Derrick Tabb
Derrick Tabb holds his nephew as he listens to a The Roots of Music rehearsal. The 3-year-old is already a drumming prodigy.
Lonzie Jackson
Lonzie Jackson, director of the L.E. Rabouin High School Marching Band, leads band members in prayer. Jackson took over after the band's founder, Dinerral Shavers, was murdered.
Wilbert Rawlins Jr.
Wilbert Rawlins Jr., is director of the O. Perry Walker High School Marching Band. Rawlins gives credit to his having been in a high school band for rescuing him from the fate of his seven closest childhood friends, all lost to violence and drugs.
Wilbert Rawlins Jr.
Wilbert Rawlins, Jr. teaches a student preparing for a field show.
Lawrence Rawlins
Lawrence Rawlins, Wilbert Rawlins' brother, works with Derrick Tabb as band director for The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and videoChristopher "Skully" Lee
Christopher Lee, known as Skully, was chosen by Dinerral Shavers to be the first drum major for the L. E. Rabouin High School Marching Band.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and videoO. Perry Walker Marching Band
Members of the O. Perry Walker Marching Band participate in a Mardi Gras parade. New Orleans' Mardi Gras parade season lasts two weeks with 50 parades.
The Roots of Music
Young trombonists in The Roots of Music band. In its first year, the band prepares beginners ages 9 to 14 to march in Mardi Gras parades.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Kirk Dugar
Kirk Dugar is a sousaphone player in the L.E. Rabouin High School Marching Band in New Orleans. Dugar finds inspiration and refuge in the band and in his church.
Jazz Henry
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Brandon Franklin
Wilbert Rawlins, Jr. practically adopted band student Brandon Franklin as his son. A saxophonist for The To Be Continued Brass Band, Franklin came back to work as Rawlins' assistant band director at O. Perry Walker.
Bruce Davenport Jr.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Art by Bruce Davenport Jr.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Art by Bruce Davenport Jr.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Art by Bruce Davenport Jr.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Art by Bruce Davenport Jr.
A Hot Spot to Die For by Bruce Davenport Jr.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video
Art by Bruce Davenport Jr.
Bruce Davenport Jr.'s work has shown in exhibitions and galleries in New Orleans, New York, Italy and Tokyo.
"The Whole Gritty City": Photos and video