Blues in the Schools

Introductory Blues in the Schools 

What is Blues in the Schools?

Blues in the Schools is an educational program that was created to promote, preserve, and perpetuate the art, culture, and heritage of blues music and to examine the music's influence on other genres. RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest brings artists/educators to Ottawa and pairs them with local musicians for a two-week residency in Ottawa-area schools.

When did Blues in the Schools Begin?

The program was initiated in two Ottawa-area schools in 1999 and has since seen tremendous growth. Each spring visiting artists/educators and local musicians deliver the Blues in the Schools program to thousands of students in Ottawa schools, contributing hundreds of hours of in-class instruction over a two-week period.

How does the program work?

The artists work with selected groups of students as part of the daily curriculum. The program is divided into two components - phases one and two.

PHASE 1 - Assembly-style presentation:
- One hour-long presentation per day (preferably the first period in the morning or the first period after lunch);
- Different performer per presentation (maximum of four presentations);
- Presentations can include lectures, singing, or musical demonstrations;
- Presentations are open to the whole student body.

PHASE 2 - Core Group Sessions:
- One-hour sessions with selected core groups (no more than 30 students per day);
- One artist/educator and one local musician throughout;
- Teachers work with the visiting artists/educators to present the program;
- Focus on more in-depth look at the history of music and music playing techniques;
- Showcase performance for the student body during the final day of the program;
- Opportunity to perform at the Bluesfest in July.

How do the students benefit from Blues in the Schools?

Integral to our program is the mandate of reaching out to students and involving them in a universal form of communication; namely music. Music reflects the feelings of the times. Through Blues music, students can learn how an oppressed people empowered themselves with song in order to cope. Our intent is to integrate students from different ethnic backgrounds and in this way teach harmony and coping skills that will lead to a more fulfilling school experience.

How do schools get involved in the program?

*New!*  Online applications for the 2012 program are now available here.

Please click here for an informational brochure on the program.

For additional information, please call Mike Rouleau at 613-247-1188, ext. 232

The administration fee for the 2012 Blues in the Schools program is $900 per school.

"We have a responsibility to the founders to pass on all that we have learned. If we don't teach the history, we are doomed to repeat it." T.J. Wheeler - Blues Educator

Official Blues in the Schools Sponsors