Why We Do "Blues in the Schools" Presentations...

We believe that Blues is an important part of our Heritage because it is
an American art form. It is a reflection of a dark time in our nation's growth,
yet it also shows the ability of the human spirit to find ways to overcome
and express itself in a way that reveals a deeper truth.

The Blues were born in the South,
during a time when all men were not treated as equals.
By teaching about the origins of the Blues and focusing on common ground
we can find in the music, a bridge of Hope is built in these brief gatherings
we call a "Blues in the Schools" Presentation.

How the Presentations Happen...

These are offered free of charge to any of our Tri-state's schools.
Beginning with the initial contact by a school,
a presentation date and time are chosen.
The contact person needs to provide information on their daily schedule
and what they hope to accomplish with the event.
The musician then tries to tailor the presentation to meet these goals.
One of our big hopes is that we will find students
who would like to participate in the ongoing mentoring program
that fosters beginning Blues musicianship
with practices, tutorials, and performances,
so the more young people who find out about the Blues, the better.

Since 30-45 minutes set up time is usually needed,
musicians arrive early, find the office and introduce themselves.
They are then directed to the auditorium or classroom,
depending on the number of students participating in the presentation.
As the musicians set up equipment and the music starts to travel
down the generally quiet halls, there is anticipation in the air.

In the students come, not sure what to expect.
Often the musicians warm up as the teachers
get a handle on the flow of "youthful exuberance".

Once all are situated, the musicians may start with a song,
followed by a brief introduction and explanation of the purpose
of the presentation and the Cincy Blues Society which they represent.
It can seen as a musical journey, touching on and revealing
the subtle differences one may find inside a certain genre of Blues,
depending on where and when you might hear it.
Swamp, Delta, Chicago, Texas, New Orleans, Jump, and Swing
can be briefly discussed and/or illustrated with examples.

It may lead into a music lesson about the structure,
scales or chords used in Blues, or maybe a discourse
on how 12 Bar Blues is played out in a Jam setting.
Often the musicians will refer to historic Blues figures
to familiarize the students with the greats-
Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins,
John Lee Hooker, Barbecue Bob, Billie Holiday, as examples.
Sometimes discussion can lead to a deeper look into the life
and tragic demise of Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues,
or to a summary of a living legend, such as BB King
where a rendition of "The Thrill is Gone" can be highlighted.
There is usually some time for a question and answer period.
Before long, an hour has gone by, the event ends,
and the musicians shake hands and chat
with a few of the students as they make their exit.

John Redell says, "I count it an honor and a privilege to play
even the smallest of parts in inspiring an interest in music on any level.
When I look back over the years and see how music has been such an important part of my life, the thought that just maybe some young person
will want to learn to play an instrument of their choice
because of one of these presentations is truly wonderful."

For more information about the "Blues in the Schools" Band,
which performs at the Cincy Blues Fest,
please contact John Redell at bits2@cincyblues.org or
visit a Page from John Redell's Site at BITS.
For more information about our in-school presentations or
anything else BITS related, please contact Joanna MacDowell at
volunteers@cincyblues.org
We are currently accepting requests for the 2006-2007 school year.
Requests need to come from a Greater Cincinnati school
with the Principal's permission.