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KTBA Donates Ukulele Tuners and Supplies to Elementary School

KTBA Donates Ukulele Tuners to Elementary School ***UPDATE 6/9/23*** Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you for donating to this project. We started ukuleles [in February] and I cannot believe how well it is going. I never thought I could let my students tune their own instruments! But it is working! I am very impressed with their ability to hear that their ukulele is out of tune and how to tune it! I have a few orchestral string players in 4th and 5th grade so I let them be the leaders first and I am hoping as the unit progresses I will branch out the leadership role to other students. The install on the holders is in progress and to prepare for this today I was able to let them all get their own instrument rather than I hand them out. We are practicing safe handling procedures and it went well. It saved a lot of time for me, I was able to start class as they got their own instruments and did not have to wait for me to pass one out to almost 30 students! Thank you again for your kindness and donation. It is so helpful to have these resources to use. With gratitude, Mrs. Dupont NEW BRITAIN, CT – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has donated clip-on tuners, guitar wall mount hangers, and guitar picks to the young students at Smith Elementary School in New Britain, CT! About the Project “We are very fortunate to have ukuleles at my school,” Mrs. Dupont says. “However, [the ukuleles] have no place to safely go when not being played, and I feel I spend so much time tuning them for my students.” Last year, Smith Elementary School purchased ukuleles for Grades 3, 4 and 5 to use in their music class. The students love the ukuleles but it has become very difficult to manage time when so much is spent on upkeep! I found it was very time consuming tuning every ukulele myself, which took away from instructional time. – Mrs. Dupont About the Students “I would love to have class leaders in each class tune them at the beginning of class, and eventually having all students tune them on their own using the tuners. This will allow me to take attendance and start the class with my full attention. In addition, the ukulele wall mounts will provide a safe place for these instruments to be stored when not being used.” When it was time to clean up, the ukuleles went into a big tupperware bin (yikes)! Everyone knows that’s a one way ticket to destruction when you have youngsters dumping their instruments into one plastic bin for use. It could be helpful for percussion instruments (and that’s a stretch) but maybe not so much for string instruments. “The felt picks will help little fingers strum, which was hard for many last year.” Mrs. Dupont expresses her gratitude with this note: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so much for supporting my music students! I am very excited to start teaching the ukuleles this year with student leaders in each class. Your kindness has such a huge impact at my school. Our budget is so low there would be no way to provide these items for my students. We truly appreciate you and can’t wait to start using the tuners, pics and wall mounts! With gratitude, Mrs. Dupont About Us Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that makes a donation every week to schools in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more! Your donation helps us to keep music in schools while preserving Blues heritage. Without your support, we would not be able to reach as many students as we have around the country (80,000 and counting!). On behalf of Joe Bonamassa and his awesome staff, we are grateful for your generosity. If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “Weekly Donation Fund 2023” which supports our weekly donation program! All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

January 9, 2023

KTBA Donates Reeds and Method Books to Jr. High Classroom

KTBA Funds Reed and Method Book Program VILLE PLATTE, LA – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation funded instrument reeds and brand new method books to Mr. James Price’s music program at Ville Platte High School. About the Project In order to make my students’ (and my school budget’s) lives a bit easier, I am looking for some assistance in picking up reeds and method books for my elementary, middle, and high school band programs,” Mr. James Price inquires. “The elementary, middle, and high schools are currently beginning the rebuilding process. Most of the students in our program are in need of some form of assistance. Anything helps. This donor’s program will help ease the cost on some families who would otherwise not be able to let their children participate! We are thankful for anything you would be willing to donate!” As one could imagine, many families are tasked with the burden of funding all their little niños’ adventures in school which also includes music instruments. Those that have multiple children understand the burden of trying to give their children more opportunities to learn different skills but trying to make that money stretch! Thanks to the generous donations from music lovers like YOU, KTBA was able to fully fund Mr. Price’s project. Now, at least a few dozen families will be able to allow their child to participate in music programs because of this expense being covered! Mr. Price expresses his gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., I am utterly blown away by your generosity and kindness in our journey to build the VPHS band program. With your support, we are achieving amazing new heights and it is all because of amazing people like you. Know that all donations are going directly to the students, and are immensely appreciated!! With gratitude, Mr. Price About Us 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 to 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. If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “General Support” which funds the Music Education General Fund for our music projects. All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

September 12, 2022

KTBA Donates Recorder Karate Program to Liberty Traditional Charter School

KTBA Funds Recorder Karate Program PHOENIX, AZ – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation funded a Recorder Karate program for students at Liberty Traditional Charter School in Phoenix, AZ! About the Students Liberty Traditional Charter School used to have a music program at their school years ago. “I often see the 3rd and 4th graders dancing around singing their own songs and thought of a great program that we could do before or after school every day,” Mrs. Hernandez says. In an effort to revive the music program they once had, Mrs. Hernandez researched different plug-and-play types of music programs that would educate students on basic music theory and breath support. I have seen the Recorder Karate program before, and it really is motivating to students as they learn how to play a musical instrument. More than 3/4 of students attending Liberty Traditional Charter come from from low income households. About the Project “The belt reward system (similar to martial arts) is very rewarding to students and build his or her self-confidence. It’s also just plain fun!” Mrs. Hernandez says. What are some positive effects of learning the recorder? Here are a few from thatmusicteacher.com: 1. Reading and Aural Skills Learning an instrument teaches students many different skills, including how to read music (if focusing on staff notation) and how to hear music. Part of our standards for teaching elementary music include developing aural skills. Teaching recorder is yet another tool to add to a student’s aural skills toolbox. They have to be able to hear the music before they play it so they know if they played it correctly or not. Playing the recorder helps build up their inner hearing, which will help them in other aspects of music class! 2. Hand-Eye Coordination This skill set ties in with the reading skills from the first point. If you are using staff notation, or any other way of visually showing students what notes they’re playing, the student has to read the note and remember what fingering to use for that note. They have to do this multiple times in a song, so they’re giving their brain a huge workout by continuously making those connections. 3. Dedication and Discipline Real talk: Learning an instrument is HARD. Many elementary schools start teaching recorder somewhere around fourth grade. Kids at this age are still learning how to suspend gratification, so learning an instrument can be immensely frustrating. Learning the recorder along with their classmates teaches them how to put their mind to something in order to improve. By working toward the specific goal of learning a song, students learn perseverance, discipline and dedication to a task, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their lives! 4. Live Performance Opportunity When students learn an instrument, it’s a built-in way to incorporate live performances in the classroom. After students are somewhat comfortable with their instruments, imagine how much fun you could have setting up mini recitals with them! It is super important for students to learn how to perform in front of others, but also how to be a kind, respectful audience. What better way to cover both of those skills than with the recorder? 5. Budget Friendly One of the biggest perks of using recorders is how inexpensive they are. While most schools are likely not able to purchase band or orchestra instruments for every student, many schools and/or families are able to spare a few bucks per student to provide each child with their own recorder. For students who learn best with hands-on activities or are more motivated by instruments, having an instrument of their own can be so valuable! Article Link Here! Thanks to the generous donations from music lovers like YOU, KTBA was able to fully fund Mrs. Hernandez’ music project and the recorders and books will be shipped to the school this week! About Us 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 to 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. If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “General Support” which funds the Music Education General Fund for our music projects. All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

September 6, 2022

KTBA Donates Percussion Mallets to Elementary School

Percussion Mallets Donated to Elementary Students INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated percussion mallets to the students at Avondale Meadows Academy in Indianapolis, IN. About the Students “The students I have the unique honor to teach are from very low socio-economic backgrounds,” states Mrs. Patterson, the music instructor at Avondale. “Our school is located in an urban setting and the majority of our students reside in and out of broken homes. They’re hardened by their level of adult-problem reality. The school is the students’ only structured environment. The Admin and Staff work effectively to make school their safe place to learn, grow, and have fun together.” Mrs. Patterson’s students love moving, playing, and creating music; “I’m their music teacher, and they need decent instruments and MALLETS to make it all happen, bringing smiles to their faces while mastering the concepts and skills of the state and national general music curriculum (the bonus),” she says. Their instruments are old and broken, and in meager supply. “Their smiles make my corner of the world a better place and my reason for being their teacher. Positive, fun music experiences, given their circumstances is a must, a need, and a want…hope…for the students’ sakes alone.” About the Project The project’s focus is teamwork, performing in one ensemble, and before the students had little to no opportunity such as this in their music classroom. Students will learn mallet-playing techniques, skills noticeably improving alongside their classmates. They’ll be playing, improvising, accompanying and creating their own music, which equals major smiles galore! Thanks to the donations from music lovers like YOU, KTBA was able to contribute to this project and send the mallets to the school promptly. About Us 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 to 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. If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “General Support” shich funds the Music Education General Fund for our music projects. All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

September 2, 2022

KTBA and Spotify Sponsor Djembe Project

KTBA Donates Djembe to McIntyre Elementary SOUTHFIELD, MI – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation and Spotify donated an African djembe to the music students at McIntyre Elementary School. Spotify matched donations for the project to make this project an exciting venture for approximately 350 students! About the Students “My students LOVE percussion instruments – especially drums – and it would be wonderful for them to hear, play, and appreciate an authentic, high-quality instrument on a regular basis,” says Ms. Cappaert. A high-quality drum is essential for any elementary music classroom. This African Djembe comes highly recommended by many music educators for its beautiful tone and resonance. At McIntyre Middle School, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American. In addition, more than 50% come from low-income households. About the Project [Through learning to play the djembe,], they can sharpen their listening skills and receive instant feedback on their technique, accuracy, and musical expression. This drum will serve as a tool for enforcing steady beat and rhythm, improvisation, accompaniment, and sound exploration. At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education. Thanks to the generous donations from music lovers like YOU, KTBA was able to fully fund Ms. Cappaert’s music project. About Us 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 to 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. If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “General Support” which funds the Music Education General Fund for our music projects. All donations are fully tax-deductible! Thank you for keeping music education in schools!

August 29, 2022

KTBA Supports Initiative for Speech therapy

KTBA Donates to Professional Development in Brighton, CO BRIGHTON, CO – Thanks to the donations from supporters like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to help Ms. Campbell of Northeast Elementary School to attend a seminar called Grey Matters Classes. This course called Neurology & CLD is a graduate-level course that teaches how music can positively affect brain function to improve attention, learning ability, mood, and so much more! A Word from Ms. Campbell “Music is a language. As a speech therapist, it is my job to help students communicate, and at times this involves alternatives to spoken language. It means making connections, problem-solving, being creative, and thinking outside the box!” – Ms. Campbell About the Project While she had some knowledge and personal experience with the connection between music and communication, it was not enough to label her practice as a speech therapist. “This is why I am fundraising to take an in-depth course on this topic specifically designed for educators. The course, Music & Neurology & CLD, is a graduate-level course that teaches how music can positively affect brain function to improve attention, learning ability, mood, and so much more. I am looking forward to using music and the strategies I will be taught to help my students to communicate, grow, and have fun. From my students who are non-verbal to those who need help with social skills, I know that integrating music and new knowledge into my sessions will strengthen their ability to communicate in their own unique ways. Thank you for helping me support these amazing students!” Attitude of Gratitude Thanks to the support of music lovers and donors like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Ms. Campbell’s project and the she can get to work straight away. Ms. Campbell expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., I am so honored that you chose to support my professional development project! It was completely unexpected and I am incredibly excited and thankful to know that I will be able to bring my passion for music to my classroom. Thanks to you more students will be able to access communication through music. I can’t wait to get started, thank you! With gratitude, Ms. Campbell Support our Weekly Donation Program Every week, Keeping the Blues Alive makes a donation to schools in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more. Beginning as far back as 2015 (and pausing in 2020), we had been increasing the amount of weekly allocations. Now, we’re getting back on track with our weekly contributions but we do need help to keep this program afloat! So far, we have funded over 550 projects and we anticipate being able to hit 600 this year! BIG NUMBERS! If you enjoy seeing these weekly donations to classrooms across the country, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support this mission. Thank you for keeping music alive in schools! TO DONATE click here.

August 12, 2022

KTBA Foundation Supports Music Learning Through Strumming

Elementary School Students Receive New Guitars for Music Program! MAXTON, NC – Thanks to the donations from supporters like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated three (3) new guitars to the music students at J. W. Arnold Elementary School! About the Teacher and her Students “The students that I teach are eager to learn music,” say Ms. Saxton. “They are an awesome group of students who love learning about music. When the students come into the music room, they have so much excitement and joy for music that they always put a smile on my face. The students I teach go above and beyond the expectations that I set for them. The students I teach are always willing to help each other become the best music students. They love to come to music class because they will get a fun experience learning about music. The students I teach are so excited to learn that they always look forward to coming to music.” About the Project “If my students receive the guitars, they will be able to learn how to perform on instruments alone and with others in different varieties of music. Students need to be able to play by themselves and with others in order to see if they can understand what is being taught to them. They will also be able to understand timbre which is the sounds the guitar produces when it is being strummed.” Attitude of Gratitude Thanks to the support of music lovers and donors like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Ms. Saxton’s project and the guitars are in good (little) hands! Ms. Saxton expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., I would like to thank you for making a donation towards my project. Because of your generous donations, my students will have the opportunity to learn how to read music while also learning how to play the guitars. Again on behalf of myself and my students, we can’t thank you enough for donating to my my project. You are simply the best!! With gratitude, Ms. Saxton Support our Weekly Donation Program Every week, Keeping the Blues Alive makes a donation to schools in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more. Beginning as far back as 2015 (and pausing in 2020), we had been increasing the amount of weekly allocations. Now, we’re getting back on track with our weekly contributions but we do need help to keep this program afloat! So far, we have funded over 550 projects and we anticipate being able to hit 600 this year! BIG NUMBERS! If you enjoy seeing these weekly donations to classrooms across the country, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support this mission. Thank you for keeping music alive in schools! TO DONATE click here.

June 3, 2022

KTBA Foundation Donates Percussion Equipment

Middle School Students Receive Percussion Equipment *** Update from Mr. Tyler Harper*** Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so much for these percussion kits! For so long I’ve tried to find a way for all my students to have their own sticks and mallets so they wouldn’t have to share, which is especially not ideal in these times with Covid-19. Now, I put numbers on these and add to the other percussion kits (which are starting to fall apart and these will help alleviate that problem as well) that are already here. These students will be so happy because there will now be more percussion spots available in the band program. The main problem here is that every student (except one trumpet player) is playing on a school instrument. That means I can only give out what I have and I have to ration certain instruments so they are available across all four grades I teach band to. So, thank you again for giving more students the chance to find a passion for music through percussion! With gratitude, Mr. Tyler Harper MAXTON, NC – Thanks to the donations from supporters like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated four (4) Vic-Firth EP-1 percussion mallet kits to the 6-8 grade students at R. B. Dean-Townsend Middle School in Maxton, NC! About the Teacher and his Students “I teach music at a very small K-8 school in North Carolina,” Mr. Harper says. “We have about 500 students altogether. The families are stricken with poverty down here. For some of these students, school is the safest place for them. My students often come to school just because it’s the only place they receive a positive influence. Help me help them.” “I’ve dedicated the past several years of my life to these kids and I’m not done yet.” About the Project “The band has grown in size! Yay! We’re so glad that it has. But now we need more materials to fill the need of those joining. I’m all out of snare drum sticks and keyboard mallets. There just aren’t enough supplies to go around. I was not prepared for the band to grow so much so fast… With Covid being around, every student needs their own equipment. There can’t be any sharing going on. Unfortunately, I don’t have the sticks for them to use if they are to remain as safe as possible in these times.” Attitude of Gratitude Thanks to the support of music lovers and donors like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Mr. Harper’s project and the packages were delivered to an enthusiastic bunch of middle schoolers! Mr. Harper expresses his gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so much for your generous donation! These percussion kits are sorely needed. As my bands continue to grow in size, there is a need for more percussionists. These kits help to ensure that each percussion student has their own sticks and mallets to use every day in class and to use at home while they are practicing. Especially now with all the covid protocols, it is very important that students don’t share sticks and mallets. With gratitude, Mr. Harper Support our Weekly Donation Program Every week, Keeping the Blues Alive makes a donation to schools in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more. Beginning as far back as 2015 (and pausing in 2020), we had been increasing the amount of weekly allocations. Now, we’re getting back on track with our weekly contributions but we do need help to keep this program afloat! If you enjoy seeing these weekly donations to classrooms across the country, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support this mission. Thank you for keeping music alive in schools! TO DONATE click here.

May 5, 2022

KTBA Donates Bongos for “Invincible Warrior” Performance

Middle School Students in Montgomery Hit That Beat! MONTGOMERY, AL – Thanks to the donations from supporters like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated brand new Aspire Oak Congos to the music students at McKee Middle School in Montgomery, Alabama! About the Students According to Mrs. Phillips, “the McKee Middle 6-8 band room is a safe place. It is almost separate from the school because it becomes a safe haven for its students to come and feel at home. We use music as a relationship builder in our band room. The students and parents look forward to entering our room to see what good it is we are coming up with at the time. Our program has been superior-rated for the last five years because we work hard and we stay focused on the task at hand.” That task is to excel, to compete, and ultimately WIN! “Once they enter my classroom they know it is a safe place but also a very serious place where we learn to be competitive and rise above the competition,” Mrs. Phillips says. Under her leadership, Mrs. Phillips has had students who have won the Alabama State Spelling Bee Competition, the state Hear Our Voices competition, multiple Beta Club competitions, and have been accepted to various District Honor Bands. About the Teacher and their School “Our band is a breath of fresh air to our school building,” she says. “Our school mainly focuses on athletics so we do our part to receive just as much publicity. We perform anywhere we get a chance.” Mrs. Phillips has been a fierce advocate for music education projects at her school and has been crowdfunding for at least the past 4 years. Nearly all students come from low-income households which makes this gift even more uplifting to those students and families. Approximately 95% of students receive free or reduced price lunches and the school receives significantly less state and local support than similar districts with less diverse student populations. About the Project Approximately 100 students will be affected by this project, placing it in the upper tiers of our impactful donations. The bongos will be used for the performance of The Invincible Warrior. “The Invincible Warrior is a piece we are playing for our Music Performance Assessment [or MPA’s],” Mrs. Phillips explains. “Full of energy and lively percussion, the students are excited to play it. We have all the parts covered except the Bongos. I have one scholar playing the part and the scholar has been practicing on drum pads until we get a set of Bongos. It is important that we have all the proper instruments for the pieces so the adjudicators can be impressed with our group. Superiors [top ratings/marks at MPA’s] are what we are seeking! Help us get them!” Attitude of Gratitude Thanks to the support of music lovers and donors like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Mrs. Phillips’ project and the bongos were delivered to the school promptly! She expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you for finding our project so quickly! We will have these in time for our assessments! We are so thankful for your generosity and thoughtfulness to our program. Our students have been practicing very hard and are very motivated to do a great job. McKee has not competed in many years so I am hoping to go and prove that we are a different band. Thank you!! With gratitude, Mrs. Phillips Affiliates In addition to KTBA funds, Mrs. Phillips also received additional support from the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF). For over 35 years, the Central Alabama Community Foundation has been a valued community partner and resource for nonprofits and students in the River Region and Wiregrass. Through the generous support of individual and corporate donors, the foundation provides over $5 million in grants and scholarships each year that meet diverse community needs, supporting programs and projects in education, human services, health, cultural arts and other civic concerns. Our mission is to create a better quality of life for those who live and work in the River Region. CACF serves several counties including Autauga, Coffee, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. Click on the logos above for information about our affiliates in Autauga, Elmore and the Wiregrass Region. Support the Weekly Donation Program Every week, Keeping the Blues Alive makes a donation to schools in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more. Beginning as far back as 2015 (and pausing in 2020), we had been increasing the amount of weekly allocations. Now, we’re getting back on track with our weekly contributions but we do need help to keep this program afloat! If you enjoy seeing these weekly donations to classrooms across the country, please consider becoming a monthly donor to support this mission. Thank you for keeping music alive in schools! To donate click here.

April 20, 2022

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