Blues in the Schools
Grow the Blues
"Research continues to provide solid evidence that the study of music promotes intellectual development."
The Blues Foundation,
International Non-profit Organization Dedicated to Ensuring the Future of Blues Music
Does Blues Music Appeal to Young People?
From our experience, the answer is a resounding YES! We recognize that there are many competing music genres like pop, rock, hip-hop and country, but when given the opportunity to listen and learn about blues music, young people we have met have enthusiastically embrace the blues. That’s why the Idaho Blues Society has been offering our Blues in the Schools program at schools in the Treasure Valley and beyond for more than 20 years.
How the BITS Program Works
The BITS program is a nationally recognized educational initiative developed by the Blues Foundation. Using music as a teaching tool, the BITS program seeks to educate students about the history and cultural significance of blues music andits impact on other music genres, inspire musical creativity, promote artistic and personal development, and encourage lifelong appreciation for this important American art form.
At no cost to schools, the BITS program employs storytelling, live performances, and workshops to teach youth in grades K-12 about blues music. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the age, interests, and learning objectives of elementary, middle, and high school classes.
It is important to note that the BITS program is more than a music program. It cuts across disciplines and can be applied to courses in history and social studies, science, and math. We work with music teachers and other faculty to ensure our deliverables meet their curriculum needs and the interests of their students.
- In a classroom or school assembly setting, our musicians typically talk about various blues music styles, demonstrate musical instruments, and play examples of typical blues songs. We try to make the session engaging and entertaining by having students interact with with the band by playing a percussion and also singing.
- In a music or band classroom setting, we focus on helping students develop their musical skills by playing along with the student musicians. Our performing artists come with years of writing, singing, producing, and performing expertise. They love sharing their knowledge and passion for music and the blues with others.
What Students and Educators Are Saying
Garfield Elementary School, Boise
Our kids here at Garfield absolutely LOVED your group!! Thank you SO much for sharing your music and your amazing energy with us!! Hope we can have you back again sometime!
Teresa Colebrook
Music Specialist/Choir Director
Garfield Elementary students and staff loved the presentation by the Boise Blues Society Band! They were entertaining and educational. We enjoyed learning about the history of Blues music and discovered how different instruments can “bend” musical notes. While the band was playing, it was difficult for students not to jump up and dance to the music. Thank you for this opportunity to expose our school community to the Blues!
Darryl Gerber
Principal
Hidden Springs Elementary School, Boise
Our staff and students were buzzing after the Blues in Schools performance! We loved the energy, the joy, and the interaction and Ken's message that performance involves the audience just as much as the performers.
We appreciate the message that live music brings people together and bonds a community. Thanks Ken!
With Gratitude,
Jason Adams
Principal
Koelsch Elementary School, Boise
Our kindergarten class was clapping and rocking out the entire time. The Blues Society made it so engaging, entertaining and fun!
Melissa Mitchell
Kindergarten Teacher
The program was absolutely wonderful! The music was great and I thought the way the information that was presented to the kids about the instruments and different kids of blues music was very “kid friendly.” I loved it!
Erin Scott
Teacher
Washington Elementary School, Caldwell
Blues in the Schools performed a concert at Washington Elementary in Caldwell that the students and staff absolutely rocked out to! The students were so excited to see the live instruments and feel the excitement of the performance. From kindergarten to 5th grade, the students and their teachers stayed engaged and enthralled by the music. As the music teacher, I am so grateful to be in contact with Ken, and will look forward to bringing them back for another show.
“I can’t believe a saxophone is THAT big!” from a 4th grader
“I want to be a singer when I grow up!” from a 3rd grader
“I want to learn to play the drums” from an 5th grader
"The piano was so cool, even the little piano!" from a 1st grader referring to the melodica
“I enjoyed the music even though it wasn’t music I normally listen to” from a 5th grader
“Bring those musicians back!” from Sue, our occupational therapist
Jazlynn Graves
Music Specialist
Whitney Elementary School, Boise
What a treat to hear live music, learn a lot of history, and have it be totally free!!! We hope you will continue to perform for the schools in the Treasure Valley and share the wealth of your talent and knowledge which you presented so well here. We especially loved learning about the hand made cigar box guitar and hearing its amazing sound.
Mai Betterley
Music Teacher
Hillside Junior High School, Boise
When I first contacted The Boise Blues Society about visiting my classroom, Ken Harris was extremely responsive and motivated to make something work for my students. We discussed how to best serve my students and came up with a two visit format. Mr. Harris came out by himself and gave the students an improvisation clinic as well as a brief lecture about the origins of blues in America. His energy and humor was a hit with the students. They left that day energized about blues and excited to work on their improvisation skills.
After looking at my program and working with us, Mr. Harris noted that we could really use a synthesizer piano to aid in our program. Two days later I had an email in my inbox from someone willing to donate a keyboard to us and our program, all thanks to Mr. Harris and his hard work.
The Following week Mr. Harris brought with him 4 professional musicians who all gave masterclasses in improvisation for my Jazz band. These musicians played solos, created background parts, and motivated the students. I have about 50 kids in my jazz program, and when we gave these students a chance to improvise, more of them stepped up to play than I have ever seen before. This is a testament to the Boise Blues Society and the energetic yet comfortable environment that allows students to feel comfortable doing something they might otherwise be apprehensive about. Mr. Harris and the others then took students into small groups and discussed specific pedagogical things students can work on to improve their improvisational skills.
The smiles and positive body language leaving my class that day was contagious. Having the Boise Blues Society come to my classroom was an amazing experience, one that I would have paid to give to my students. But luckily for us, this service was completely free for my program and other public schools. Thank you to Mr. Harris and all of the Boise Blues Society for this tremendous opportunity you gave to my students.
Mark Young, Band Director
Borah High School, Boise
The Boise Blues Society came on two separate occasions to work with the Borah High School Student Jazz Vocalists and Instrumentalists. We had a great time. The groups were fun to work with and very well prepared. Not only did my singers get a real chance to experience blues, but they all were given solo opportunities and fun percussion instruments were brought to keep all of the students engaged! Our second experience brought some VERY talented and knowledgeable members. This was for my jazz instrumental combo. It was neat for my students to see a combo that had NEVER played together, come together so quickly. It was perfect that two of the four had experience playing in local HS combos for the HS Jazz choirs so they really could talk to the kids directly about their experiences.
Thanks so much for the experience! Well worth our time!
Heather Ray
Choral Music Educator
Music Department Chair
Clearwater Valley High School, Kooskia
I had my students fill out a feedback form the Monday after you came. Here are some of the things they said:
Both my choir and band loved the workshop time and learning the songs. They enjoyed playing with the band and singing with the ladies. They learned that they can play to a beat without any written music to go along with it. Many of the students thought it was cool that one of our 7th graders was able to play a solo. That 7th grader really enjoyed it also! A few of their favorite things were the saxophone player and the melodica player! They loved the interaction both of those men had with the audience. They are hoping The Blues in the Schools can come back again sometime. They only had one complaint... the music from the band drowned out the vocalists.
This was a great experience for my students and some who chose not to participate in the workshop now wish they would have!
Thank you all for the experience!
Mindy Baldwin
Band Director
Idaho Arts Charter School, Nampa
The Boise Blues Society offered a brilliant and soulful presentation at the Idaho Arts Charter School in Nampa, Idaho. Our students were so engaged, enthused, and deeply inspired. The Boise Blues Society’s event had a perfect combination of performance, Blues oriented music theory and historical context. I highly recommend their presentation for students of all ages! It’s an enriching experience!
David Gluck
Music Teacher
Dear school administrators and teachers-
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for The Idaho Blues Society "Blues in the Schools!" I have known the musicians in this group for many years, and recently got the opportunity to bring them in to perform their Blues appreciation set for some of my students.
Each player is a seasoned, professional musician and the group as a whole is an absolute top-shelf musical act. They have tailored their show to connect with students as they introduce them to a style of music that most of the students have never heard. Additionally, they do a fantastic job of connecting with the students (i.e., players move around amongst the students while they play, they have parts that the students get to sing along with, and even have the students stand up and dance as part of the show)
They were entirely professional - showing up on time, using pro gear, and interacting with all school personnel in a friendly way. And, the student response was simply off the charts!! My classes have been talking about the performance all week!
If you are considering bringing in a group to perform for your students in a similar type setting, it is without hesitation that I give my highest recommendation to Blues in the Schools. I promise you, you will not regret it!
Sincerely,
Tim Swanson
Idaho Arts Charter School
3rd-5th grade general music and piano lab instructor
How the BITS Program is Funded
Like all volunteer-run, non-profit organizations, the Idaho Blues Society relies on financial support to fund our community outreach programs, including the BITS program. In this time of shrinking federal support for the arts, we are grateful to the Boise City Department of Arts and History for its continued generous support for the BITS program at schools within the city limits. We also rely on membership fees, donations, and sponsorships for funding. Every dollar helps, from the $5 bill dropped in the donation basket at our non-ticketed blues music events to larger donations and contributions from our individual, business, and corporate sponsors!
Interested in Bringing the BITS Program to Your School?
Our school-year BITS calendar fills up quickly! If you would like our BITS musicians to conduct a workshop or performance at your school, click on the link below, fill in the requested information, and submit today. We’ll be in touch.