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. We can be free in our Heart, even in the most adverse of circumstances, just like the Apostle Paul, who while in shackles, amazed his captors by singing while yet in prison.

 

Blues was born in the South, during a time when all men were not treated as equals. I think very few are proud of this period, but it doesn’t go away by burying our heads in the sand and acting like it never happened. By teaching about the origins of the Blues and focusing on the 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.

 

After a few phone conversations, a date and time are chosen. Depending on how much time you need to set up, you arrive 30-45 minutes early, find the office and introduce yourself. Someone then helps you find your way to the auditorium or classroom, depending on the number of Students you will be meeting with.

 

I have done both and find there are pros and cons in either setting. Though I personally prefer a smaller, more intimate group, one of our goals is to find the Students who would like to participate in the ongoing event we call “Blues in the Schools”, so obviously, the more young people who find out about us, the better.

 

You set up your gear amidst the curious passers-by, Teachers and Students alike. Once you start your soundcheck, the Music starts to travel down the generally quiet halls and you can almost feel the anticipation in the air.

 

Your contact Person, at some point, guides you through their School’s time table and what they hope can be accomplished at the assembly. You tailor your Presentation to meet their needs as best you can.

 

In the Students come, just like you, not sure what to expect. I usually doodle around on my Guitar while they are finding their seats and the Teachers get a handle on the flow of youthful exuberance that can only be felt in these rarest of situations where all sorts of scenes are played out.

 

Once we are all situated, I start with a song, followed by a brief introduction and explanation of why I am there and who I represent. I take them on a Musical Journey, touching on and revealing the subtle differences you 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 are some of what I refer to.

 

I may get into a Music lesson about the structure of the scales or chords used in Blues, or maybe a discourse on how 12 Bar Blues is played out in a Jam setting.

 

I refer to historic figures mostly by name due to time constraints. Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Barbecue Bob, Billie Holiday, are a few I mention in passing. I go a little deeper into the Life and tragic demise of Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues. As a Living Legend, I talk about BB King and follow that up with “The Thrill is Gone”.

 

As time permits, I involve the Students in a call and response version of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. I may get some of them up to help in some form of visual depiction of a Song or Musical point I might be trying to make.

 

There is usually some time for a question and answer period. I usually end with a true story and one of my Songs, “The Blues Knows Where You Are”. Before you know it, an hour has gone by and you’re shaking hands and chatting with a few of the Students as they make their exit.

 

I would like to say 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.

 

Peace.

 

 

 

Why teach the History of the Blues?

“ I was asked to write an article

for the Cincy Blues Society’s monthly Newsletter

on what a “Blues in the Schools” Presentation was like.

Below you will find my response…”