This is a really great program that many of us at Jackson Miles Music have been more than greatful to be a part of as artists for the last 3 years. Partnering up with our friends Peter Voith, Tyler Kealey, Jeff Rogers, and Shawn Tavenier, we hope to be part this program for many more years to come because we believe it is so worthwhile for children to learn about music and its roots. We think there is an especial need for programs like these since music and the arts seem to hold less importance in most public school curriculums of today. The info below was taken from the Ottawa Bluesfest official website. Please read on!
What is Blues in the Schools?
Blues in the Schools is an educational program that was created to promote, preserve, and perpetuate the art, culture, and heritage of blues music. Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest brings blues artists/educators to Ottawa for a two-week residency (April 14 - April 25, 2008) in local primary, middle, and secondary schools.
When did Blues in the Schools Begin?
The program was initiated in two Ottawa-area schools in 1999 and has since seen tremendous growth. In the spring of 2007, 5visiting artists/educators and 15 local musicians delivered the Blues in the Schools program to more than 6,500 students in 20 Ottawa schools, contributing over 360 hours of in-class instruction over a two-week period.
How does the program work?
The artists work with selected groups of students as part of the daily curriculum. The program is divided into two components-phase one and two.
PHASE 1 (March1- March 4, 2010)
Assembly-style presentation:
- One hour-long presentation per day (preferably the first period in the morning or the first period after lunch);
- Different performer per presentation (maximum of four presentations);
- Presentations can include lectures, singing, or musical demonstrations;
- Presentations are open to the whole student body.
PHASE 2 (March 5, and March 8 - March 12, 2010)
Core Group Sessions:
- One-hour sessions with selected core groups (no more than 30 students) per day;
- One artist/educator and one local musician throughout;
- Teachers work with the visiting artists/educators to present the program;
- Focus on more in-depth look at the history of blues music and music playing techniques;
- Performance for the student body during the final day of the program;
- Opportunity to perform at the Bluesfest in July.
How do the students benefit from Blues in the Schools?
By studying the history of Blues music, students learn about the injustice of racial intolerance. Integral to our program is the mandate of reaching out to students and involving them in a universal form of communication; namely music. Music reflects the feelings of the times. Through Blues music, students can learn how an oppressed people empowered themselves with song in order to cope. Our intent is to integrate students from different ethnic backgrounds and in this way teach harmony and coping skills that will lead to a more tolerant school experience.
How do schools get involved in the program?
Applications for the 2008 program will be emailed, or faxed to all Ottawa-area schools on a per-request basis.
For information please call: 613-247-1188 ex. 232 Attn: Mike Rouleau
