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!

MOUNT OLIVE, MS – Thanks to your donations, KTBA purchased band new Tubano Hand Drum Sets for the young students at Mt. Olive Attendance Center in Mount Olive, Mississippi! Tubano drums are large drums with durable rawhide drum heads built to withstand the elements – or in this case – elementary kids! These drums are lightweight, storable, and come in a pack of 3-sizes for varying timbers and pitches. From a musical standpoint, drums provide a strong basis from which to build an understanding of rhythmic theory and notation. From a social point of view, drumming is very communal and collaborative – a critical component to a child’s growth at this tender age. Mrs. Jenkins, the school’s music teacher says, “The students at my school are inquisitive and always ready to learn. They are excited about all aspects of music class and constantly seek to be involved in both private and public music performances.” Since nearly all of the students in Mount Olive come from economically disadvantaged households, music class carries much more weight. Students are excited and eager to jump straight into new material; they embrace the opportunity for self-expression and creativity. “Many of my students come to class full of life – ready to dive into a high energy music lesson,” Mrs. Jenkins explains. “They bring such a positivity towards the music subject that I am encouraged to do more for them and supplement their learning with more hands-on activities. Their eagerness to “do,” and not merely observe, truly inspire me to be better for them everyday.” According to Mrs. Jenkins, drumming is an amazing way to teach students to compartmentalize as an individual as well as work together with a team. “Our kids literally cannot wait to get their hands on drums!” she adds. “[Currently], we only have 5-gallon paint buckets which are not efficient for hand drumming. They can be painful over the duration of class time due to the hard plastic material that is not intended for hands.” The incorporation of using real hand drums will provide opportunities for the students to measure rhythm through time mathematically and gain performance confidence as a true musician. Additionally, students will learn the importance and understanding of synergy and teamwork in a percussion ensemble. Thanks to the generosity of Joe Bonamassa fans and music lovers like YOU, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation was able to fund Mrs. Jenkins’ music project – outfitting the music classroom with new drums for the class to share. Mrs. Jenkins expresses her gratitude: Dear Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation, Inc., Thank you so so much for your generosity and support for our music program. Our students here don’t have many opportunities to play on real instruments and they are THRILLED that we have been fully funded. I am extremely grateful for you and all who make Donors Choose possible. We can’t wait to share pictures and updates! With gratitude, Mrs. Jenkins 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! To date, KTBA has reached over 60,000 students. 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!

This week, Keeping The Blues Alive donated a set of multicultural CD’s, workbooks and percussion instruments to Ms. Barnes’ kindergarten class in Jackson, Mississippi. We jumped at the opportunity to give back to the Delta region that played such a pivotal role in the development of the Blues movement and gave birth to a style all its own. The history of the Blues is one rich with diversity and multiculturalism, so we wanted to help Ms. Barnes pass on the importance of understanding and appreciating diversity to her young students. Ms. Barnes writes: “It is imperative that my early learners understand and embrace diversity. The world is so much larger than their homes, schools, or communities. We live in a world rich with culture. Your donation will provide opportunities for my students to practice acceptance and tolerance through music and movement. Your partnership will expand my students view of the world This project seeks to enrich the lives of kindergarten students. It is important that the topic of diversity is addressed in the classroom. My students will learn to accept and appreciate other culture backgrounds and differing abilities. My students will best learn the concept of multiculturalism through music and movement activities. I have ordered audio CDs and musical instruments that represent music from countries around the world. The students will enjoy listening to, singing, and dancing to the music from Ireland, Jamaica, Spain, Japan and so many more exciting places. It will be delightful to learn that people who are so different really are so much alike. It is imperative that my early learners understand and embrace diversity. The world is so much larger than their homes, schools, or communities.” We couldn’t agree more and we’re happy to support classrooms like hers. To help us on our mission to fund music programs like this one and others around the country, please donate today! Click here to make a donation!