Blues in the Schools Ends on High Note
The New York State Blues Festival concluded the first season of its Blues in the Schools Program (BITS) on a high note at the end of May. Local musician Kevin Dean, a Certified Teaching Artist, took students on a blues-learning journey with interactive percussion sessions, a multimedia production, plus a specially-created booklet, which each student could take home with them. Students from Skaneateles, East Syracuse-Minoa, West Genesee, and Syracuse City Schools participated in the program.
We are excited to have Kevin Dean play such an integral role in our Youth Development team. Response to BITS has been outstanding. We are very pleased to be receiving requests from other schools that would like to participate during the next academic year. This program has also generated many inquiries about our KJ James Scholarship and Blues Ignition programs, which continue to grow with the festival each year.
The board of directors for the New York State Blues Festival truly enjoys bringing exceptional blues acts to Clinton Square for its annual event each summer, but we also like to focus on community outreach. Education is part of our mission and we are happy to introduce the importance of the Blues in American culture to children in CNY schools.
Photos: Students, 6th grade, from Roberts K-8 School, Syracuse City School District
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