Programs and Workshops For Festivals, Schools and Community Events
Blues Alive
Education at the very CROSSROADS of America’s music heritage.
My Mission
To me, there is nothing more important that I do as a Blues performer than Blues education! Blues is a uniquely American music that along with Gospel and Jazz is one of America’s most precious gifts to the world. Blues is the musical foundation for all forms of Pop music with it’s influence spanning seven generations.
Children in schools throughout the globe learn about their culture’s artistic heritage and creative achievements. American children deserve to know about their culture’s rich musical heritage that is the Blues and how the world has embraced it as a creative art form.
Programs and Workshops For Schools
Blues 101
30 to 45 minute assembly or classroom program -Songs, instrument demos, history/blues today, Q&A customized for age of the audience.
RULE of Thumb: The younger they are the more active participation
Music Classes
General Music – Programs are custom made in collaboration with teaching staff to fit the age level and curriculum goals.
Performance Ensembles – Customized in collaboration with teaching staff. Workshops on theory, legendary performers, history and links to other genres. Students explore styles and techniques and perform Blues standards and improvised jamming (vox and instruments)
Literacy Connections
PreK -3
“Even Bugs Sing the Blues” – Eric Carle Books (e.g., The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider and more) rewritten as blues songs.
Grades 4-6
“I Wrote a Blues Song!” – Blues lyric form as derived from call and response (AAB pattern) is introduced. Students learn to appreciate the concise power and imagery of Blues poetry as they write, sing and record their own songs.
Grades 7-12
“We Are the Blues” – History and culture come alive with Blues songs – soundtrack of historical, political, social and economic events.
