Joining instruction with entertainment forms a powerful, effective lesson.
That combination is at the heart of the Blues in the Schools (BITS) initiative sponsored by MO Blues, a local organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and preserving blues music.
The most recent program was held last week when Fruteland Jackson, a Chicago-based historian and blues musician, interacted with students at local public and parochial schools, and the Special Learning Center.
Although history as an academic discipline has suffered a few setbacks recently, the blues provides a study of American music and oral tradition that created a foundation for other musical forms.
Jackson showed students the versatility of the blues by adapting a traditional blues song from a slow melodic tune to an upbeat rock 'n' roll style to a spiritual hymn.
"The form and influence of 'the blues' is at the heart of most American music - jazz, rock, R&B, and everything they touch," said Kerry Cordray, MO Blues vice president. "So at heart, helping kids discover the blues is basic music education. But the (BITS) program is more than that. It encourages youngsters to connect the dots between the music and our history, culture, folk traditions and diversity. It's a fun interdisciplinary learning experience."
Blues in the Schools is financed largely by two MO Blues events - Blues Sunday, a summer concert held in Memorial Park, and the Holiday Blues Blast, to be held later this year.
The community organization is open to anyone. According to Cordray, the group has "about 150 active/supporting members, with several hundred more that follow and support the organization through annual events/concerts and regular 'jam night' events that we sponsor."
The group was founded in 1998 and has been hosting BITS for more than a decade.
Regarding education, an excerpt from MO Blues website reads: "Students can be introduced to the concept of conveying historical, spiritual and social development through the lyrics of song. Lacking an educational system, these early country blues men and women created beautiful poetry that responded to the conditions of their world."
On the continuum of history, a study of the blues is a study of musical adaptations that reflect changes in American education, society and culture.
And sharing that knowledge promotes understanding of our shared history.