Blues in the Schools

What is it?
The Blues In The Schools program is an after-school or in-class K-12 arts education program that uses the blues tradition as its vehicle. The program takes several forms: a blues performer teaching students the history and cultural heritage of the blues, workshops that provide a hands-on opportunity for students to learn, study, appreciate, compose and perform the blues under the guidance of a practicing blues artist resident at the school, the performer putting together a student band to perform at school assemblies and local blues festivals, and the performer working with teachers in the classroom as a co-teacher demonstrating how blues can be used to teach content subjects. It is usually the performer and the fine arts teacher or the music teacher who put the program together for the school.

Why is it important?
The overall role of the program is school improvement in the following areas: students learn discipline, interaction, team work, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment, tolerance and understanding of cultural diversity; it enhances school enrollment and attendance, academic performance, and good behavior; provides opportunities for parents and the community to be involved in school activities; it gives visibility to the school and enhances the image of the school and the community; fosters students' creativity and increases students' knowledge about cultural heritage; and enhances the teaching of content subjects such as history, geography, poetry, music and writing.

1. The blues performer meets with the principal and teachers to explain how the program can be used to enhance school improvement.
2. The performer and the school select a core group of students to form a band that works with the performer towards a live school performance at a school assembly or a community event such as art exhibits or a family day, and the Chicago Blues Festival.
3. The performer presents helpful ideas, techniques, and exercises on how to use blues as a learning and teaching aid in the classroom. Performer and teacher may co-teach some lessons in the classroom.
4. The performer conducts either short term or long term residencies at the school.

Fee Structure
Based on the Illinois Arts Council Scale. I work with a piano accompanist.

1. The Illinois Arts Council: arts-in-education grants
2. A City's Department of Cultural Affairs:
   Neighborhood Arts Program in Chicago, for example.
3. Private sources; e.g., Foundations