Suncoast Blues Society's "Blues In The Schools"
Suncoast Blues Society's "Blues In The Schools" and "Blues in the Library" has begun for 2006.
Since we started the program in the fall of 2001, we have done about a dozen presentations a year at various schools, libraries and 'at risk' youth programs with an average of 30 to 40 kids attending each session. We have introduced over 2000 kids to a part of our great American heritage:
this thing we call "The Blues."
Blues In The Schools Program Objectives:
- Teach students an important part of our American Heritage
- Encourage them to enjoy and express themselves in a positive, creative way
- Help to fill a void left by budget cuts in our school system which most
often adversely affects the Arts Programs
- Inspire them with stories of people who have overcome economic, environmental
and social barriers to become successful professionals
- Broaden their musical horizons
- Teach them to have fun with the blues in an interactive, positive structured
environment
We offer sessions to large groups such as a gathering in a gym or cafeteria or in smaller groups in a classroom environment. We also offer this to public libraries. Musicians usually work solo or duo. A presentation may include discussions about a particular instrument such as a guitar or harmonica and how it works. How does the sound happen? What influence did it have on the development of the blues? What is the blues? Who is Muddy Waters? Where is the delta?? The blues is rich with a wealth of interesting topics, talents and legends and each artist has their favorites to share. The Suncoast Blues Society is proud to offer this program and we hope to see it grow and reach more students and classrooms every year. Things People Say:
Damon Fowler "Damon gets my highest rating!" says teacher Linda Peterson. "He's a superior storyteller and talented musician....It was a wonderful learning experience on many different levels." Infinity Middle School, Sarasota hosted Robert "Freightrain" Parker and Sandy Atkinson
Principal, S. Swanson says: "Fabulous! I loved the interaction with the kids-actually talking about the history." "M. Borrelli, Essrig Elem., Tampa, Ed (Ed Wright) did an awesome job educating and entertaining my class? We all want him to come back..? W.E. Clark, Paul B. Stephens, Clearwater: The program was marvelous. The students and the staff had a wonderful time.
(Artists: TC Carr & Sandy Atkinson) B. Litterine, Dunnellon Elem.
Keith (Keith Caton) was great! Informative and entertaining.? *Teachers if you would like to have Blues In The Schools at your school, please email your request to our Director, James Randolph at: bitsl@suncoastblues.org You may also Mail your request with contact information to:
Suncoast Blues Society
(BITS/L)
POB 4232
Tampa, FL 33677
*Musicians who are interested in participating please email: bitsl@suncoastblues.org
Many Corporations support community programs that promote the arts. If you or your company would be interested in helping us keep this project going, please send us a note at: bitsl@suncoastblues.org
*NOTE: Funds for this project are limited and it is offered on a ?first come, first serve? basis. Please get your requests in early for the school year.
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