KTBA Weekly Donation Archives - Page 4 of 17

KTBA Weekly Donation

KTBA Donates Marching Snare Drums to Middle School

Marching Orders for Clio Students CLIO, SOUTH CAROLINA – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated three (3) brand new Power-Lite Marching Snare Drums to the music program at Clio Elementary Middle School in Clio, SC! “I love that my students are very excited about band and instrumental music,” says Mr. Michael Burrage, music teacher at Clio Elementary Middle School. “They really want to learn how to play wind and percussion instruments. I [have] encouraged them to attend many instrumental performances such as the football games and orchestra concerts. I love that they meet me everyday and consistently ask, ‘Can we learn to play band and orchestra instruments?’ I love their drive and ambition.” These students are fast learners and are very dedicated to learning to play instruments. The 4th and 5th grade students very inquisitive and ambitious. ***Update Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you for the snare drums. The students are using the resources in learning cooperative and teamwork skills in instrumental music education. They marched in a parade and performed in the school’s Christmas program. This year, they will participate in many school functions and district school functions. The students reaction were in amazement . They couldn’t believe that we have snare drums and equipment to perform. The next steps of the classroom projects is to get more wind instruments and string instruments to develop an overall comprehensive instrumental music program (marching band, concert band, jazz band, and orchestra). Again, thank you for everything. With gratitude, Mr. Michael L. Burrage About the Project “The marching snare drums will make a difference in the students learning by providing them with the means to express themselves. This is accomplished through musical performances at school functions. Students will use – and benefit from – the marching snare drums by developing critical thinking skills and psychomotor skills through band. The goal is for these young musicians and band students to develop comprehensive ways to develop the framework for a lifetime of social and diverse learning through band. These drums will assist with providing students with the opportunity to build character as they have to effectively communicate and build a sense of community that will become evident in all areas of their lives. Through these relationships, we are preparing students to become leaders in their craft and demonstrate a passion for band music.” Attitude of Gratitude Thanks to the support of music and Blues lovers around the world, Keeping the Blues Alive funded Mr. Burrage’s marching drums project and he uploaded some photos and an acknowledgment letter to those who helped him achieve his fundraising goal. Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so very much!! We’re beyond grateful for your donation and contribution. The students at Clio Elementary will be forever grateful as to now they can experience band with the necessary and proper resources . Not only that, the community will also be grateful. Again, words can’t express how much this really and truly mean to us. With gratitude, Mr. Michael L. Burrage Let’s Keep it Going Every week, KTBA donates to a school in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more. Please consider donating to this cause by clicking HERE. Thank you for keeping the blues alive!

November 29, 2019

KTBA Funds Recording Equipment for High School Program

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated new recording equipment to the Guitar Club and music Program at Pedro Menendez High School located in St. Augustine, FL! This included a 50-Watt amplifier, two (2) Audio Technica condenser microphones, a 61-key electric piano, and XLR cables. Our students come from low to mid-level socioeconomic households,” states Mr. Davidson, the school’s teacher of Guitar Studies. “We have very limited arts programs at our school. A lack of funding limits our ability to have a well-rounded school.” Mr. Davidson offers a music club for kids to play instruments and develop their passions. “We do not have the equipment in our auditorium to effectively perform. Arts are a vital part of education. I want to help our school and students expand their artistic passions. I want kids to have access to instruments and recording equipment. Some kids don’t have the support system to know arts can be life altering. Playing live music gives them this opportunity to shine.” Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated the necessary equipment needed for Mr. Davidson’s Guitar Club! This experience will allow students to record their music with proper precision and accuracy. Recording is a simple concept but having the appropriate equipment yields greater sound quality and teaches students the importance of being consistent, reliable, and focused in the studio. These tools are not typically covered by music program budgets which exposes holes in the music curriculum if students are not able to learn how to record! 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!

November 20, 2019

KTBA Donates Xylophones and Ukuleles to Elementary Music Program

PASADENA, TX – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated thirteen (13) xylophones and a soprano ukulele to the music program at Red Bluff Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas! “I teach students from all types of lifestyles,” Ms. Patrick says. ” They are energetic and full of imagination. They love to take risks in order to grow in their music education. Many of my students struggle in areas of confidence and focus but they still find the courage to try despite their weaknesses and because of this, I have seen many of these students blossom into confident music learners and performers.” Many students enjoy music theory. “Other students love singing, some love instrument playing, and some enjoy all of the above! These students I see as future leaders of the world and they are going to take the skills they have learned in music such as cooperative learning, teamwork, and critical thinking skills, multitask performing and sharing of themselves to give joy to others, into this world to make it an amazing place for every person they touch. These materials will make a difference in the music classroom by allowing my visual and tactile learners the ability to see how music is played on an instrument while reading music that we practice in our classroom. It will show the students the relevance of music reading. The various colors on the xylophone will help students to find the notes more effectively and efficiently, saving time and making learning music enjoyable.” These materials promote individual and cooperate learning opportunities and help facilitate student engagement which will keep the climate charged to peak students’ interest for learning now and later. Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers around the country, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Ms. Patrick’s project! Ms. Patrick expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you for giving my class the much needed instruments to help them to have the best and most engaging music learning experience ever! We intend to use these tools to improve students music learning and appreciation for music to boost their confidence individually and as a music class family! With gratitude, Ms. Patrick 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!

November 7, 2019

KTBA Donates New Instruments to Elementary School

DECATUR, ILLINOIS – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation purchased brand new instruments for the choir and general music program at Dennis Elementary School! This includes a Rhapsody II 88-key digital piano, a new cajon, accompaniment CD’s and workbooks! “My general music and choir students are motivated, eager learners,” Ms. Boline states. “They enjoy working on projects and sharing what they learn with their school and the community. They love music class even though it takes place in their classrooms since we don’t have a music room.” Students are anxious and excited for a school year filled with music projects and programs to share with their peers from other departments. Without a dedicated music room, students are used to improvising spaces and using the gear they already have. “[This year,] our choir is going to work with our band and orchestra to perform combined numbers in our concerts to help our music program to be more cohesive,” she says. “These materials [would] make a huge difference in my students’ learning. Exposure to other cultures through music is vital to teach well-rounded students.” Currently, Ms. Boline does not have a keyboard in her elementary classrooms to teach on, let alone a set to allow students to work on. “Having a keyboard to help teach my lessons will help tremendously,” Ms. Boline explains. “Having other instruments available to fully engage my classroom of active learners is very important. I want the ability to help foster a love of music in my students so they will want to be lifelong learners and musicians. These materials will help me to achieve all of these things for my super deserving students.” Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation funded Ms. Boline’s project and were able to provide her with everything on her list: a full 88-key console digital piano, a cajon, performance/accompaniment CD’s. The items will be delivered within a week – just in time for the holiday season! Ms. Boline expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so much for funding our project! There aren’t words strong enough to express our gratitude! Music is SO important and you are helping us facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation for music. We will benefit from your gift for years to come. Thank you so very much. With gratitude, Ms. Boline 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!

October 31, 2019

KTBA Funds Music Club in Flushing, NY!

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!

October 23, 2019

Keyboard Lab Donated to Inaugural Music Program

KENNER, LA – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated brand new keyboards to the new K-8 music program at John James Audubon Elementary School. Much to the pleasure of the school and the community, this will be J.J. Audubon’s first music program! “Help me give my students keyboards to provide kinesthetic learning of rhythm, harmony, and melody for enhanced: coordination, memorization, discipline, pattern recognition, auditory skills, and academic skills,” Mr. Earle Brown asks. “My students are extremely excited about having a music program at our school. They absolutely love the experience of doing new and different activities such as music because they love the challenges and being able to overcome those challenges of learning music.” John James Audubon was formally an elementary school. Now, it host students K-8. “Prior to this year, there had never been any type of music program offered at the school, so the lower grades, K-5 were never exposed to any type of music training,” Mr. Brown explains. “Some of the seventh and eighth graders had band in their previous school. Most of them did not have their own instruments when they arrived at my school and were not able to participate in band as they had done in the past.” There were no musical instruments of any kind at the school. Mr. Brown graciously donated his own personal supply of recorders and rhythm sticks for the lower grades. “I [also] donated a tenor sax, three clarinets, and two flutes to my seventh and eighth-grade students.” Mr. Brown’s level of commitment is stellar! “My students are truly an incredible group, and I am so lucky and thankful to have a new group of learners that are excited and ready to learn music!” Mr. Brown’s project will primarily focus on the middle school students. The keyboards will allow these students to physically engage rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and music theory concepts. “The students need exposure to meaningful educational experiences to discover and nourish their gifts and talents. In learning how to play the keyboards, students gain an understanding of how to read and write musical notation. Students will also learn how to create their own rhythmic patterns and musical compositions through the development of musical ideas on the keyboards. This project will help to gain coordination, memorization, discipline, pattern recognition, auditory skills, and academic skills.” Thanks to Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Mr. Brown’s project has been successfully funded and students will enjoy eight (8) new keyboards in the classroom. 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!

October 16, 2019

KTBA Donates “Keyboard Corner” to Elementary Music Program

AUSTIN, TX – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated eight (8) brand new student model Alesis Melody 61 MKII Portable Keyboards to Menchaca Elementary School in Austin, TX! Since 1991, Austin, Texas has been officially referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” This is largely because of two extreme factors. On one hand, Austin boasts more live music venues per capita (over 200 in the area). Over 1,900 bands and performing artists live in and around the city itself. Lastly, as if that wasn’t enough, the city of Austin completely transforms itself to host some of the biggest festivals in the country, including Austin City Limits (ACL), South by Southwest (SXSW), The Urban Music Festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest, the Pachange Festival, and many more! As Austin continues to grow and thrive for live musicians around the world, Keeping the Blues Alive recognizes the need to foster new talent in the local community. That is why when Ms. Leslie Rubio reached out for assistance in getting her elementary students from a school located just 12 miles from Stubb’s BBQ and legendary Antone’s Nightclub we knew we had to step in! “I am currently an elementary music school teacher and I have been teaching for 23 years,” Ms. Leslie Rubio explains. “I love to have a variety of things to use with my students so that they are learning music concepts in many different ways. My students love coming to music class and it is my goal to have as many students as possible sign up for music programs when they go to middle school! Teaching music is rewarding and I know how much influence music instruction has on children’s brains!” In order to fulfill her goals for the music literacy and music theory components of her curriculum, Ms. Rubio needed to have enough keyboards for the classroom so that every student would have the opportunity to learn, practice, and explore the instrument by themselves. Keyboard instruments are extremely approachable and inspiring which means that every student needed a chance to spend time on the instrument without needed to “double up” on a miniature keyboard. “It [has always been] a challenge in my classroom to have enough working equipment for students to be able to work individually. Replacing equipment like keyboards becomes very expensive very quickly and I am hoping this gets funded so that I can replace some of my keyboards that I have had for over 15 years.” With the constant evolution in technology, one can imagine the amount of progress a standard keyboard has made during the last five years, let alone 15! There’s practically a new iPhone and a new type of television seemingly every 6 months; one couldn’t fathom the quality of sounds and features that existed (or did not exist) on Ms. Rubio’s older models! “Keyboards are an instant way to engage kids and further their music instruction in a very hands-on way.” Unfortunately, when it comes to funding for music programs, the budgets are too low to justify new instruments. Usually, the money gets allocated to supplies and yearly maintenance tools. There simply isn’t enough room to allow the budget to be absorbed by a new instrument, or multiple instruments. Additionally, half of these students come from low-income households which limits the amount of fundraising teachers can depend on. However, thanks to Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to secure funds to purchase eight (8) brand new Alesis keyboards that Ms. Rubio and her students can use to expand their inventory and provide stronger learning environments for up to 400 students! 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!

October 9, 2019

KTBA Donates Woodwinds to Fairmont Middle School

FAIRMONT, NC – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated brand new woodwind instruments including two (2) saxophones, one (1) clarinet, and one (1) flute to the music program at Fairmont Middle School! ***UPDATE 2/4/2020 Ms. Foxworth, music director at Fairmont Middle School has a wonderful update for us regarding the new instruments we donated back in September 2019! Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., This school year has been amazing so far. Thanks to your generous contribution, there are enough instruments for all the students that are in the program. These instruments are being shared among the students and will continue to be used by future students for years to come. Music is a means of expression for a number of my students. Your donation has given them an opportunity to be a part of an organization that can open so many doors and serve them in immeasurable ways as they advance in life. These students will be able to compete with other musicians for once in a life time opportunities and performers at various locations. The students have done two parades this semester and a winter concert. Next semester the students in the program will put on a Black History Month concert, spring concert, parade and they are also going to play at a professional hockey game. This would not be possible without your help. On behalf of myself and my students I would like to say thank you. We are grateful and it has truly been a blessing to see them grow in the last few months. They appreciate music class even more now that they know that there are people out there who will invest in their interest. You have changed lives and again thank you. With gratitude, Ms. Foxworth _________ “[Currently,] my students enter the world of music each time they enter our music room,” states Ms. Cherelle Foxworth. She is a first-year band director from Fayetteville State University. “The students in my class are resilient and nothing short of amazing having gone through two natural disasters in two years. They continue to amaze me in their ability to spread joy, pride, and camaraderie throughout the community when they perform. I am proud of each and every one of them. They have taught me that music is an outlet that is far more powerful then I could have ever imagined. Despite the hardships that they have faced in the recent years, these students continue to push and give me their all in the classroom. I am thankful that I am their teacher because they are all true inspirations.” Nearly all of the students attending Fairmont Middle School come from low-income households. For them, music is not only an elective in their class schedules, it is a gateway of opportunity and an outlet for expression and creativity. By helping the band program to expand its instrumentation, the students will enjoy more variety and diversity within the repertoire. The woodwinds are an essential component of band literature. “The students in the music program are phenomenal at making music and these instruments will [also] boost their confidence. This year, the students will have the opportunity to play out of state and these instruments would help improve the overall sound.” Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like you, Ms. Foxworth will receive new instruments for her band program. At least 50 students will benefit from these school-owned instruments and they will be encouraged to keep music as a part of their daily lives forever! Keeping the Blues Alive 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 66,000 students by sponsoring over 400 various music projects! 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 supporting music education for the next generation!

October 2, 2019

Guitars for Future Rockstars!

DEARBORN, MI – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation donated ten (10) brand new guitars to the music department at Henry Ford Elementary School in Dearborn, MI! “My students are creative, thoughtful and full of questions!” Ms. Holmes exclaims. “They absolutely love hands-on, active, engaging projects and they love to learn new instruments. They come to music class each day ready to try new things and take brave chances in order to grow both personally and musically.” Most of the students that attend Henry Ford live at or below the poverty line. Many qualify for free lunch provided by the government programs. “My students love music class because it allows them to be expressive and creative. They love to move, sing, perform and play new instruments,” she adds. “We put on performances throughout the year that allows them to show the community how much they love music. They would love the opportunity to have more meaningful, musical experiences and would benefit from every resource they can get to enhance those experiences. My goal is to get my 5th-grade students motivated to continue being musicians after elementary school. Not every student is meant to be in a concert band setting and learning guitar will let them pursue a different genre of music.” Recognizing the need for contemporary instruments Keeping the Blues Alive funded Ms. Holmes’ project and almost a dozen guitars will arrive within the next week. “These 5th graders will be using the guitars to start a modern band project. They will be learning chords, scales, songs, and creating their own music. The end goal is to create a band with a group of friends. The guitars will help my students be more creative and motivated to finish their elementary music career on a positive note. My goal is to get my 5th-grade students motivated to continue being musicians after elementary school. Not every student is meant to be in a concert band setting and learning guitar will let them pursue a different genre of music.” Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation is grateful for all of your donations in helping us achieve Ms. Holmes’ goal of $1,000 for these guitars. It is because of your generosity and selflessness, that hundreds of kids will have the opportunity to learn guitar techniques and skills that will carry over into other facets of their education for years to come! We are 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 65,000 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!

September 4, 2019