The most effective Blues in the Schools Programs utilize a classroom curriculum that affects many students and disciplines.   The Creekside Blues Society BITS program can feature any of the following workshops and/or activities.

¨      An introduction to the heritage and history of the blues;

¨      Singing and performing the blues;

¨      Blues instruments;

¨      Conducting a school assembly;

¨      How to teach social science and language arts thus motivating students to learn through the blues;

¨      Presenting a Blues Kids performance.

Our program is designed for both short-term and long-term residencies. Short-term residencies last from a day to a week, and long-term residences last from two to four weeks.

A student testimonial:  “Thank you for visiting and giving us that wonderful performance.  I just wanted to say that it was the coolest experience I’ve ever and only had when it comes to the blues.  To me it sounded so boring and sad and I thought, who would ever want to listen to such depressing music, but NOW I’m cured.  The blues is awesome to listen to!  I now see that the blues is music people can relate their problems to and in turn helps them deal with their own situations.  All in all the music is touching in every way.  I’d like to thank you again for your time and knowledge that I will forever contain.  You have truly opened my eyes.  Thanks again. Now I’ll help keep the spirit of the blues alive!”

A teacher testimonial:  “Having your group come into our school and educate my students was very rewarding and educational for them.  The blues history was informative, the jam session was invigorating and the Q & A was helpful.  I encourage more schools to take advantage of Blues in the Schools programs.”

WHY BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS?

Through the study of blues traditions in any curriculum, educators can address educational issues like the color line, diversity, culture, and interdisciplinary studies in a way that engages all aged students.  An understanding of this truly original American music form allows students to appreciate this and other contributions of African-Americans to the world. The study of the blues is the study of the culture that produced this music. This cultural study is an investment in the human spirit.  Studying the blues can give students deeper understanding of the rural and urban African-American culture.  With the exception of Native American music forms, the blues is the first pure American music form to have originated in this country. Coming from the oral traditions of folk music, the blues is the foundation for all other popular music forms students listen to today.

Just as important as understanding the evolution of the musical structure of the blues is the understanding of the ways blues music expressed individual emotions. Students can be shown the essential part these rural lyrics played in the African-American oral traditions. Lacking an educational system, these early country blues men and women created beautiful poetry that responded to the conditions of their world. Sometimes the lyrics expressed the anger they could not speak. Other times, they painted a vivid picture of African-American life in those fields. At the same time, the music incorporated danceable rhythms. Music reflects the feelings of the times. Through the blues, student listeners can feel what happened in those times and know to apply it to today.

HOW CAN BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS FIT VARIOUS SUBJECTS?

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. Just a simply activity like designing a CD package enlists Art, English, and Music disciplines. When students plan out the touring itinerary for a band, they will utilize Math, Geography, and Language Arts skills in their planning of a month on the road. 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.

WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?

The Blues Foundation in Memphis provides some direction to its affiliated Blues societies, and organizations like the House of Blues, the Seattle Music Experience, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have designed curriculum units and lesson plans that are ready to be plugged into any grade or discipline.

The programs performers offer are the following:

¨      A one hour school assembly.

¨      An all day workshop that either moves from class to class or remains in the same classroom all day.

¨      Artist in Residency programs that last from a week to a full month. These usually culminate in an evening performance or performance at a funding festival.

WHERE DO I LOOK TO FUND THESE PROGRAMS?

Funding such workshops requires a creative search of all the monetary options available.

¨      Teachers can apply for local Arts Council grants.

¨      There is also PTA money available at every school for the enrichment of the school. School Improvement Councils put money aside for assembly programs and could be approached, especially during Black History month, to fund a school wide program.

¨      A local blues society or blues festival could help underwrite the cost.

¨      More costly Artist in Residency programs might need the corporate sponsorship of a local business.

¨      An evening concert in the community by the performer can perhaps be tied into grant money. Thus a small grant can be augmented by a full house show at night.

CAN BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS WORK?

Yes!  Remember how influential music is in the lives of children. At a time when there are budgetary cuts of arts programs across the country, Blues in the Schools can reach students in a way few other curriculums can.

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For further information or to schedule a BITS performance in your school please contact Dee Ann Wallace, Director of the Creekside Blues Society at dwintrin@columbus.rr.com, or 614.486.8309 or The Creekside Blues Society, 947 E. Johnstown Rd., Suite 177, Gahanna, OH 43230; website: www.creekblues.com