blues in schools

Blues In Schools is a nationally acclaimed cultural and musical appreciation program that helps students understand the rural and urban African-American culture. Based on this premise, this program was developed to suit the needs of students in a variety of settings from organizations to schools. Age appropriate content is formatted to deliver high quality learning experiences that meet the goals and fulfill the mission of Blues In Schools Program. Many areas of culture and art will be explored in a hands on setting where students actively participate in the creation of music and composition of songs that represent them.

Purpose:

To introduce students to this traditional Musical Art form that originated in Africa, and was brought to the new world via slave ships. It has since undergone many cultural changes but still maintains the essence of deep expression that the foundation it is based on instills.

Goals:

That students can identify the cultural, geographical and historical origins and evolution of Blues music and the people who composed and played it while gaining an understanding of it's significance in the world of modern music and popular culture.

Facilitated by:

Music and Arts educator, major and independent Bay Area entertainers who have worked with over 10,000 students and teachers in United States. B.A.M. Foundation programs have reached over 30,000 people in schools, corporations, festivals and organizations using a variety of singers and musicians from around the world that represent the traditions and heritage of the art form. B.A.M. Foundation has developed our award winning curriculum through research and passion for music as professional singers, entertainers, musicians, composers and record producers.

Program Outline:

Origins as African Tradition - A discussion of the earliest forms of the Blues in the Griot tradition from Africa, it's significance to the communities and how it was used in ceremony.

History of Blues in the New World - The arrival of African slaves and how they used the Blues as a tool to communicate among themselves and maintain traditions.

Instruments used yesterday and today - The earliest instruments used by the Griots later became the modern guitar, banjo, drums, marimba, maraca and others.

Migration and Evolution of the Blues - We look at the migration patterns of African slaves and how they infused local culture into their music.

Definitions of Blues terms - Many words are used to describe the feelings and approaches to the Blues. We discuss them and look at how they have become part of our culture.

Songwriting exercise - Using the Blues form, we compose, rehearse our own songs and perform them.

Interactive Music making - Using drums and percussion instruments we play along while we sing our blues songs.

Typical programs are two hours and all content can be altered to suit specific age groups. A general Blues Book Study Guide is included. Program expenses are generally $450.00 per two hour session, limit of 30 students. Light meals and beverages are provided.