FLUSHING, NY – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated a set of eight (8) guitars, guitar picks, and two (2) vocal microphones to support the music club at Flushing International High School! “All of our students are recent immigrants from over 20 countries who have been in the country for less than 4 years,” Mr. Maikels explains. “My students are some of the hardest working, bravest, and most resilient people that I know. In addition to dealing with the regular stress of being teenagers, my students have to adapt to a new culture, environment, and learn English all within four to five years to graduate.” Nearly all students at Flushing International High School come from low-income households. “For many, college is their goal toward their dream careers,” he explains. “But for others, graduating high school is a valid challenge and concern. Many of our students have low literacy, deep social-emotional challenges, financial obligations to their family, etc. Nevertheless, despite the inherent cultural, socio-economic, and political obstacles, our students defy the odds year after year. Our students come in angry, lost, scared, confused, and alone, but leave determined, confident, and poised to succeed. We are always striving to increase those numbers through love, high expectations, equity, and community.” Music and extra-curricualr activities are strongly needed within the school community.  These programs provide a a safe and comfortable environment for students to express themselves musically on a regular basis. “Since we currently do not have a music program in our school, my colleague and I decided to create an after-school music club as a space for students to practice, learn and develop their musical talents. We have received an overwhelming amount of interest from the students, but we do not have the musical equipment needed to support their thirst for music. Our goal is to have students perform during school-wide events such as our holiday feasts, talent show and valentines day dance. Another goal is for students to perform outside of the school at places like the nearby senior citizens center and more,” Mr. Maikels explains. They plan to use their club time (Tuesdays and Thursdays after-school) for students to practice using the guitars and microphones. “Since most of our students cannot afford to buy their own instruments and equipment, we are also considering allowing dedicated members to borrow a guitar to practice at home by signing a contract where they agree to be responsible for the equipment at all times under their possession.” Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, KTBA has successfully funded Mr. Maikels’ project!  Flushing International should receive the new instruments and materials within a few weeks – just in time for the holiday season. Mr. Maikels expresses his gratitude: Thank you so much for your generosity! We are so thrilled about your donations and words can not express how excited our students will be once we share the news with them. They are such hardworking students who share such a strong drive for music and your donation will make that experience come true for them. Thank you again and I can’t wait to share pictures with you once we receive the equipment!! With gratitude, Mr. Maikels 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 66,000 students across America by sponsoring over 400 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!

GREECE, NY – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive purchased twenty (20) brand new ukuleles for the music program at Rochester Academy Charter School! “Our school does not have many instruments for students to explore and create with,” Ms. Fisher explains. “Ukuleles will allow students to learn a string instrument, create songs, play in an ensemble and explore their musical interests. My students are natural musicians and amaze me every day. They really love music and have shown great growth this year. Before this year, many students did not know how to read music and did not have any knowledge of musical concepts such as dynamics, harmony, and pulse. They want to learn about composers, music genres and instruments.” According to Ms. Fisher, many of her young musicians come into the classroom feeling alone and isolated. However, after participating in the various musical activities, they leave with a sense of belonging and a feeling of family. “My students come from all different walks of life and living situations,” she adds.  “I strive to create an environment in my classroom that allows everyone to feel like they belong and have a voice. Students often love creating music because they are able to express themselves. As she planned for the new school year 2019-2020, she was looking at the music instrument selection at school to take an appropriate inventory.  Her students loved to come to music class to create and learn. Her classroom served as a safe haven for many students. Unfortunately, they were not able to play anything other than drums.  “Ukuleles will enable my students to explore their musicality in a new deeper way. Ukuleles use the treble clef which would allow students to use that knowledge of music notation. These instruments will allow the information and music styles to come alive for students.” Thanks to Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Ms. Fisher’s ukulele project! 20 ukuleles will be delivered to the school in time for summer preparations! We look forward to catching up with Ms. Fisher once the kids get back into the weekly schedules! 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 donation helps 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.  To date, KTBA has reached over 63,000 students by sponsoring over 400 various music projects! The journey has been incredible! If you would like to help us to continue to grow, click here to make a donation! All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!