BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
What is Blues in the Schools?
Blues in the Schools offers the opportunity for students of all ages to engage in multidisciplinary, whole-language learning using the study of music, math, language arts, history, anthropology, and sociology in a hands-on approach celebrating creative self-expression. By bringing the blues genre into the classroom, students are exposed to these traditional subjects, while breaking down racial barriers and opening dialogue about cultural diversity.
What is Blues in the Schools?
Cultural Understanding
Through the study of Blues traditions, educators can address the important issues of the color line, diversity, and multi-culturalism, using interdisciplinary studies in a way that engages students of all ages. The study of the Blues is the study of the African-American culture that produced this music and an investment in the human spirit. Just as important as understanding the evolution of the musical structure of the blues is understanding the ways blues music expressed individual emotions and the feelings of the times. Through the blues, student listeners begin to empathize with what happened in those times and to develop understanding of how to apply that awareness to their present lives.
Intellectual Advancement
Research continues to provide solid evidence that the study of music promotes intellectual development. Science has shown that studying music assists children in developing neurophysiological distinctions that aid in literacy and can translate into improved academic performance. Most important to this development is active engagement in the music and class participation, each of which are central to Blues in the Schools programs. While participating in music activities, children enhance physical, language, social-emotional, and cognitive development. And Blues in the Schools program are much larger than simple music classes. They provide opportunities for children who might otherwise not have access to engage directly with a music that is historically significant and emotionally healing.
Preservation of Blues Heritage and Expansion of Worldwide Awareness
The Blues Foundation is committed to preserving blues heritage, the biographies of the people who formed this music, and the cultural history behind their personal stories. We are mission driven to also ensure the future of this uniquely American art form by expanding awareness of the music across all lines. Taking Blues music into schools systems, via Blues in the Schools, provides a direct line to keep this great American genre both relevant and thriving.
How Blues in the Schools Fits various subjects
Blues in the Schools can be appropriately tailored to the age of the students with creative cross-discipline curriculum. Subjects like music, art, English, and social studies are natural fits, while creative teachers can individually figure ways to tie Math, Science and Tech Ed to a BITS unit. For instance, a simple activity like designing a CD package enlists art, English, and music disciplines. Should students be challenged to plan out the touring itinerary for a band, they will utilize math, geography, and language arts skills in their assignments. At the high school level, the in-depth study of the sharecropping system in the Mississippi Delta combines English, social studies, and music to deliver a very crucial understanding of the relationship between these social and cultural factors in the birth of the blues. The combinations of programs is unlimited and each educator has the freedom to construct a relevant lesson plan using blues as the framework.
What is Blues in the Schools?
Because each community’s curriculum is individualized to the goals of that school district, there is no nationally directed BITS initiative for grades K-12. The Blues Foundation can help you find someone to help you get started with what is right for your local school district, your educational discipline, and your intended age group. The Blues Foundation’s Affiliated Blues societies are often at the forefront of developing and/or funding local BITS programs and many have designed curriculum units and lesson plans that are ready to be plugged into any grade or discipline. There are also educators nationwide who are committed to developing high quality BITS programs using the most current educational techniques and who have had great success with their curricula.
A variety of programs offer any of the following structures:
Workshop
An all day workshop that either moves from class to class or remains in the same classroom all day.
Where do I find the funding for these programs?
Funding any sort of arts program outside of the standard school curriculum requires the creative search for sources. We encourage teachers and school administrators to apply for local Arts Council grants. Depending upon your school, there might be PTA money available for BITs programs. School Improvement Councils often put money aside for assembly programs and might be a viable source of funds for a school-wide program, especially during Black History month. A local blues society or blues festival could help underwrite the cost. Check our affiliates map for Blues Societies in your area and reach out to develop relationships with their leadership.
More costly Artist-in-Residency programs might require the corporate sponsorship of a local business. You might consider an evening concert in the community by your artist-in residence as a fundraiser to as part of a more appealing grant request. There is no limitation to your own research and creativity in seeking funds.
What’s my next step?
Below is an extensive list of Blues educators who might be available to assist you in developing a Blues education program.
Alabama Blues Project (Alabama)
SUMMER BLUES CAMP / AFTER SCHOOL CAMP & more
HOMEBASE: East Tuscaloosa AL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Varied / Performance
EMAIL: paula@alabamablues.org
WEBSITE: alabamablues.org
Andra Faye (Indiana)
BLUES MANDOLIN, guitar, bass and vocals / Workshops
HOMEBASE: Indianapolis IN
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Varied / Performance
EMAIL: andrafaye@gmail.com
WEBSITE: andrafaye.com
Andrew D. Gordon (California)
ADG Productions
HOMEBASE: Los Angeles, CA
BLUES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES, BOOKS, and LESSON PLANS: all instruments
EMAIL: adgordon@earthlink.net
WEBSITE: adgproductions.com
Art Tipaldi (Massachusetts)
BLUES WORKSHOPS and TEACHER CONSULTATION
HOMEBASE: Wilbraham MA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Historic
EMAIL: artzbluz@aol.com
Billy Branch (Illinois)
BILLY BRANCH’S BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM
HOMEBASE: Chicago IL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Harmonica / Performance
EMAIL: rosa@billybranch.com
WEBSITE: billybranch.com
Bonnie Tallman (Pennsylvania)
BEYOND THE MUSIC: YOU’RE THE CEO Making your music a business.
HOMEBASE: Muncy PA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Music Business
EMAIL: bmtallman@aol.com
Clark deaconbluz White, Ph.D. (Tennessee)
Blues Chattanooga Resource Center
HOMEBASE: Chattanooga, TN
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Blues Educator, Performance, Harmonica, and Folklorist
PHONE: 423 -505-1933
EMAIL: whitece60@comcast.net
WEBSITE: blueschattanooga.com and deaconbluz.com
Craig Brenner (Indiana)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
HOMEBASE: Bloomington IN
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Piano / Performance
EMAIL: craigbrennerboogies@gmail.com
WEBSITE: https://www.craigbrenner.com/
Dan Treanor (Colorado)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS EDUCATOR
HOMEBASE: Arvada CO
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: daniel2102@comcast.net
WEBSITE: dantreanorband.com
Dave Fields (New York)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS: The Blues Is Our American Heritage, Our National Music & Gift to the World
HOMEBASE: New York NY
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar, Piano, Rhythm Section, Song Writing, Production & Music Business
EMAIL: dave@davefields.com
David Berntson (Oklahoma)
CROSSROADS LEARNING EXPERIENCE
HOMEBASE: Tulsa OK
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Harmonica / Performance
EMAIL: bernesto@sbcglobal.net
WEBSITE: crossroadslearning.org
David Evans, PhD (Tennessee)
MUSICOLOGIST / LECTURER / ENTERTAINER
HOMEBASE: Memphis TN
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: dhevans@memphis.edu
WEBSITE: thecountryblues.com
Debbie Bond (Alabama)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS EDUCATOR
HOMEBASE: Northport AL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: debbie@alabamablues.org
WEBSITE: debbiebond.com
Doug Macleod (Tennessee)
BLUES SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
HOMEBASE: Memphis, TN
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance / Songwriting
EMAIL: macdubb@me.com
WEBSITE: doug-macleod.com
Downtown Charlie Brown (Illinois)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS EDUCATOR
HOMEBASE: Chicago, IL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Piano, Guitar, and Vocals with emphasis on Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, and other forms of Classic Blues
EMAIL: dtcb1@aol.com
WEBSITE: downtowncharliebrown.com
Fernando Jones (Illinois)
FERNANDO JONES BLUES CAMP ages 12-18
HOMEBASE: Chicago IL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Varied
EMAIL: info@blueskids.com
WEBSITE: blueskids.com
Fruteland Jackson (Illinois)
“ALL ABOUT THE BLUES” series
HOMEBASE: Chicago IL
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: fruteland@fruteland.com
WEBSITE: fruteland.com
Gary Allegretto / Harmonikids (California)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS/Blues Education KBA Recipient
HOMEBASE: Los Angeles, CA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE: Harmonica Workshop (kids receive Hohner harmonicas and learn to accurately play 4 Blues songs). Performance included.
EMAIL: gallegretto@earthlink.net
PHONE: 323-605-8742
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS WEBSITE: http://www.garyallegretto.com/school-programs
HARMONIKIDS WEBSITE (Non profit humanitarian organization for special needs kids): http://www.garyallegretto.com/harmonikids
Gaye Adegbalola (Virginia)
WOMEN IN THE BLUES: BESSIE TO PRESENT DAY
HOMEBASE: Fredericksburg VA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar, Vocal
EMAIL: gayeblueswoman@gmail.com
WEBSITE: adegbalola.com
Jessie Cahn (Oklahoma)
BLUES EDUCATION
HOMEBASE: Oklahoma City OK
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Blues Education
EMAIL: jesse405@earthlink.net
WEBSITE: jessiecahn.com
Michael Hawkeye Herman (Oregon)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS / Blues Education KBA Recipient
HOMEBASE: Ashland OR
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: info@HawkeyeHerman.com
WEBSITE: HawkeyeH@aol.com
Patrick Ryan (Alaska) B
BLUES EDUCATION
HOMEBASE: Anchorage AK
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
WEBSITE: facebook.com/patrick.ryan.7545
Scott Ainslie (Vermont)
BLUES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Schools, theaters, festivals
HOMEBASE: Brattleboro VT
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: scott@CattailMusic.com
WEBSITE: cattailmusic.cm
Selby Minner (Oklahoma) L
LEARN TO PLAY & BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
HOMEBASE: Rentiesville OK
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Varied / Performance
EMAIL: dcminner@windstream.net
WEBSITE: dcminnerblues.com
Spencer Bohren (Louisiana)
DOWN THE DIRT ROAD BLUES & more
HOMEBASE: New Orleans LA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: spencer@spencerbohren.com
WEBSITE: spencerbohren.com
Rachael Barnard (New Hampshire)
HOPES HEROS and the BLUES / Blues in the Schools/Fest workshops
HOMEBASE: Milford NH
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: forteartistmanagement@gmail.com
WEBSITE: granitestateblues.org
Tas Cru (New York)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
HOMEBASE: Chaumont NY
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: ktbluesmanagement@gmail.com
WEBSITE: tascru.com
Terry Vuncannon (North Carolina)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS BY V-MUSE PRODUCTIONS
HOMEBASE: Greensboro NC
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: terry.vuncannon@yahoo.com
WEBSITE: Facebook/V-Muse Productions
Nat Dove (California)
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
HOMEBASE: Bakersfield CA
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Piano / Performance
EMAIL: natdove@sbcglobal.net
WEBSITE: natdove.com
Rev. Robert Jones (Michigan)
MUSIC THAT MATTERS / HISTORY / STORY TELLING
HOMEBASE: Detroit MI
BLUES INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE: Guitar / Performance
EMAIL: david@tamulevich.com (agency)
WEBSITE: revrobertjones.com
Vanessa Collier (Pennsylvania)
Blues In The Schools / Instruments of Peace
Homebase: Philadelphia, PA
Blues Instrument Workshop/Performance: Saxophone / Performance
Songwriting / Music Production & Engineering / Stagecraft
Email: bluerootsmanagement@gmail.com
Website: www.vanessacollier.com
Become a Member
Becoming a member of The Blues Foundation gives you an opportunity to be personally connected to a blues community where you will experience a vast amount of resources, information, news, views, insight, and activities not available anywhere else. You will be part of an organization which is special, fun, and unique.
“I am a member of The Blues Foundation because, like a drop of water, I am insignificant alone. But as part of a body of water moving in the same direction, I am part of a tidal wave that can bring down mountains – mountains of prejudice and segregated misunderstanding – mountains of people making noise instead of harmonies. It is a sound that can tell a story of poor people who don’t make it into the history books. It is a sound that can tell the truth about the human condition, good and bad, happy and sad.……I am a member of The Blues Foundation, because like a powerful rush of water, I want to move in the same direction with blues fans from all around the world. The “whoosh” of that river makes a very joyful noise. If you are not a member, wade in the water. It will cleanse your soul. You really should come in. The water is just fine.”
Rattlebone Jones
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