SEBASTOPOL, MS – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated a set of eight (8) brand new Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars to the students at Sebastopol Attendance Center in Sebastopol, Mississippi!

Ms. Girling, band director at Sebstopol Attendance Center says that her project, specifically benefits students in her General Music classes.

“In this class, they learn about music history, how to think critically about music, and even how to create music themselves,” Ms. Girling describes.  “This course is known for playing guitars the last several years. Unfortunately, we no longer have enough guitars for our class size, so several students get half as much instruction because they share [instruments].

Surprisingly, these kids have not chosen to make music as part of their extra-curriculars, but they find themselves really enjoying the experience once they are immersed in it! It’s amazing to see students from all different activities, friends groups, ages, and levels of confidence learn a new skill together. We learn how to play guitars as a class so the students know what it’s like to really make music.”

Ms. Girling runs her class like a music appreciation course.

“As a music educator, I think the best way to appreciate music/musicians is to put yourself in their shoes,” she adds. “

These students spend the first part of the year learning how to read rhythms and notes on a staff, which also improves math and reading skills. We then spend time doing bucket drumming (our maintenance staff saves buckets from waxing the floors) so they can learn how to play together as an ensemble. Once we get to guitars, they are so excited!”

However, the classroom is short of enough guitars to allow the students some individual learning time. The largest class holds 21 students.

“These students get half as much practice and classroom instruction because they must share with another student,” she explains. “These guitars would give everyone a chance to learn equally, and improve classroom management for me.”

Thanks to Joe Bonamassa fans and music-lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to cover the cost of the new guitars for their classroom and will be delivered by next week!

Ms. Girling expresses her gratitude:

Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc.,

I am so elated to know that people share an interest in the importance of music education for everyone. This was the best Christmas gift my program could have received. Thank you so much for your generosity. I am overwhelmed, and my students will be beyond ecstatic. This donation will continue to help students at this school for years to come. Thank you for keeping the music alive!

With gratitude,
Ms. Girling

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that makes a donation to a school in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more every week! Your donations help us keep music in schools, while preserving blues heritage.

Without your support, we would not be able to reach as many students around the country. We are grateful for your generosity!

As a result, KTBA has reached over 68,000 students across America by sponsoring over 450 various music projects ranging from purchasing new instruments, field trips, guest clinicians, purchasing supplies, and updating music libraries!

If you would like to help us to continue to make an impact on music education in America, click here to make a donation! All donations are fully tax-deductible.

Thank you for supporting music education for the next generation!