| BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS (BITS) |
| The Beginning Blues in the Schools (BITS) was originated in 1972 by Maxine Howard, a blues and gospel vocalist. She was very concerned about the large number of school age students who did not know or understand that blues, jazz and gospel was America’s only contribution to the world of culture. This music was more than just the music that their parents listened to. She set out to teach the community youth the history of blues, jazz and gospel, to increase their understanding of the music and realize that it was the basis of what they listen to on a daily basis. Our Blues in the Schools Presentation The Blues in the Schools (BITS) presentation brings accomplished as well as unsung bay area blues musicians into local schools to educate students about the history and significance of blues music. The presentation can be performed in an auditorium, a classroom, or any space large enough to accommodate the audience, musicians and their instruments. The presentation usually begins with a song followed by musicians discussion on what makes the music—the chords, the progressions of 12-bar Blues music, and the musicians who created the art form. A question and answer time is provided. The BITS program has been presented to inner city schools, suburban private schools, rural public schools, vocational institutions, community colleges, University of California Berkeley, Stanford University and other educational establishments that request the program in order to reach a wide spectrum of students. Some of our Blues in the School Sites Hoover Elementary . Livermore High School, Havenscourt Middle School, McClymonds High School, Crocker Highlands Elementary, West Oakland Library, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, UC Davis, Merced High, Prescott Elementary, and Lowell Middle School just to name a few. Contact Information Please contact Ronnie Stewart, Executive Director for booking presentation considerations at 707-647-3962 or 510-836-2227. |
