BluesEd is a non-profit youth artist development program under the Blues Society of Omaha. The Blues Society of Omaha’s mission statement is “Keeping the Blues Alive.” The BluesEd program began in 2002 and was created to provide opportunities for Jr. High and High School age musicians to play with other students in a “band” format. Through a series of workshops, BluesEd students learn a repertoire of blues music, along with learning the art of improvisation and solos, the methodology of rehearsals, techniques of jamming, stage presence and performance, and the historical origins of the blues genre.
2012 BluesEd Program Description and Workshop Structure
The 2012 BluesEd season will consist of a mandatory orientation for parents and students, and a series of eight 2-hour workshops that will be held approximately twice a month from April through August.
Tuition for the program is $225 for the 2012 summer season. Blues Society members receive a discounted tuition rate of $175. To become a Blues Society member, log on to their website at OmahaBlues.com. BSO membership will be reviewed at the time the tuition is due prior to the first workshop of the season.
What Is The Blues Ed Program?
The basis of this program is for students to have the opportunity to play with other students, learn songs, the art of improvisation, the techniques of “jamming”, the methodology of rehearsal, and how to play in an ensemble setting. During the BluesEd season the participants will require individual practice time and private lessons are highly recommended, Each student will study music that has been selected from an established repertory list, with the lyrics and charts for each song provided on the program website.
Charting music is a skill that will be taught by the clinicians and as students progress in the program, music charts will be done by them. Students are expected to listen and study the materials provided and work on the songs ahead of time to prepare for each workshop and vocalists are expected to memorize the song lyrics prior to each workshop. Clinicians will have the group listen to the song and then assist the students with the basic chord structure, song arrangements, vocal harmonizing, and suggest different ways to arrange and end songs. The end goal for each workshop is that the students will be able to play the song together as a group.
Student Requirements
To participate in the BluesEd program students must be 12-18 years old and currently in middle or high school. In addition, students must:
- Be proficient with their instrument, which includes having a basic knowledge of chords and some soloing abilities. We cannot accept beginning students at this time.
- Have the ability to learn and memorize lyrics prior to workshops (ability to read music is not required)
- Have some basic knowledge of playing blues.
- Have the time and desire to practice at home and the commitment to practice with their group
- Be willing to study a song by listening and learn the basic structure as homework for the workshops.
- Have basic organizational skills (bringing their notebook, charting music, keeping track of the music/lyrics/charts).
- Coming prepared to the workshop with all necessary equipment.
- The student should be studying with someone (private lessons).
The auditions will assist in determining those who need more practice team on their instrument before they are ready for a group type of workshop.
Parents
BluesEd is a non-profit program that relies heavily on parent volunteerism in order to keep costs down. Parents are required to participate by volunteering at events, performances, and fundraisers. Please consider this time commitment carefully prior to having your child audition. Further questions can be emailed to the program’s directors:
directors@bluesed.com.
