The
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organization launched the eleventh edition
of their longstanding Blues in the Schools program on Monday, March
2. The two-week residency program, which sees professional artists/educators
visit 17 area schools this year, will run through March 13.
The
program begins with a series of assembly-like presentations. A variety
of musicians visit two schools per day, performing a total of 66
presentations over the course of four days. The following phase
involves classroom-size core groups, with students enjoying a more
formal workshop approach that typically includes song writing, singing,
and exploring various instruments. The workshop phase culminates
with students performing for their families, teachers and peers.
Ultimately these students are offered an opportunity to perform
at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, during the festival's Blues in the
Schools day.
Initiated
in two Ottawa-area schools in 1999, the Bluesfest’s Blues
in the Schools program has seen tremendous growth. This year, visiting
artists/educators and local musicians will deliver the program to
more than 7,000 students in Ottawa-area schools.
"The
intent of the program," says Bluesfest executive director,
Mark Monahan,” is to expose students from all backgrounds
to music and to encourage them to use music as a positive outlet
in dealing with the world around them."
For
more on the Ottawa Bluesfest’s community initiatives, please
visit ottawabluesfest.ca
Above
item courtesy of: Ottawa Bluesfest
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