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Hohner Harmonica
Blues For Kids Uses Hohner® Harmonicas

Blues for Kids teaches children of all ages the joy of Blues music, fulfilling one of the stated missions of the Minnesota Blues Society: "to provide learning opportunities related to this American-roots music genre." Blues for Kids workshops are scheduled through schools, community organizations, festivals and events. Workshops are custom designed to meet the needs of the audience and can include guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals, or Blues history. Our most popular workshop provides kids with a free harmonica and lesson.

Ditto on Harp
— Hi & Lois ©King Features by permission of Greg Walker.

Testimonials For Blues For Kids

"The wonderful Blues for Kids educators share a brief history of blues music, a bit of music theory, and provide lots of harmonica-playing demonstration. Each child receives a complimentary harmonica and CD so they continue to practice their mouth harp skills at home. The kids really seem to get it and walk away feeling bluesy and more musical. The parents often stick around to watch the program, just for the fun of it. What a fantastic program for our library kids!" - Jennifer Verbrugge, Youth Programming Coordinator, Dakota County Library

"We loved our Blues for Kids programs! The musicians were great with the kids and made an effort to include everyone in their jam sessions. The sounds coming from the harmonicas got better as the sessions grew to a close, which is always impressive when learning to play a new instrument. The children especially loved the free harmonicas to take home and practice what they learned. Nothing but positive feedback from parents and lots of smiles from the kids!" - Dawn LaBrosse, Washington County Library

Blues For Kids Recruiting Handout
To Volunteer or for more information, contact Joe Byrnes, Chairman, at email:

Instructors' Education Pages

Mike Fugazzi's Education Page: http://www.mikefugazzi.com/fr_education.cfm

Everett Smithson's Education Page: http://www.everettsmithson.com/education.html

Calendar of Events

2012

Past Events

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Blues for Kids at Girl Scout Jamboree

Blues for Kids at Girl Scout Jamboree
Blues for Kids at
Girl Scout Jamboree

Twenty-one Girl Scouts and their leaders participated in a Blues For Kids workshop held on July 20 in collaboration with the Minnesota Dreams Girl Scout Jamboree.

In the two hour hands-on workshop, instructor Clint Hoover covered the basics of playing blues harp as well as showing off his extensive collection of harmonicas and teaching the history of the instrument. Clint did a remarkable job of stimulating the desire of these future musicians, resulting in the comments from one attendee, "Workshop time was just right; though you definitely wanted more...we are pepped up and want to continue learning Blues Harp". — Doug Spike

(7/20/07)

First Blues For Kids Event Held at Coffee Grounds

Mike Fugazzi with student.
Mike Fugazzi listens
for the pure single note.

The Twin Cities metro area has 8 new harmonica players thanks to a successful Blues For Kids workshop held July 14. The attendees received free harmonicas and a professional lesson.

Korey Hicks & Mike Fugazzi
Korey Hicks & Mike Fugazzi

Instruction covered practice techniques, ways to play harmonica notes, chords and scales. The group learned a common blues riff and two songs. Recommended artists for learning by listening as well as on line resources were shared. Most of all, the kids learned to have FUN with music.

Thanks to Mike Fugazzi and Korey Hicks from the band NiteRail for their valuable instruction and to The Coffee Grounds for hosting the event. — Doug Spike

(7/14/07)

GTCBMS Launchs Blues Educational Program for Youngsters

Blues For Kids

Blues For Kids has been initiated to fulfill one of the stated missions of the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society: "to provide learning opportunities related to this American-roots music genre."

Blues For Kids introduces children to the blues by providing a free professional harmonica lesson and harmonica. Scheduled through community organizations and events, our first programs were held in July 2007 at the Coffee Grounds in St. Paul and in collaboration with the local Girl Scout Council. Additional event opportunities are being sought.

Volunteers are needed in many aspects of the Blues For Kids program, from assisting with events to fundraising. Email us at info@gtcbms.org for more information.

Pete Berglund
Pete Berglund
(Photo from Armadillo Jump)

Funding for Blues For Kids has been provided by the GTCBMS as well as generous contributions from:
Pete Izmirian, Portraits in Blues
John Coburn, in memory of Pete Berglund

Pete Berglund was passionate in music and was a member of local blues band Armadillo Jump. As "Uncle Puffy" he enthusiastically excelled at harmonica and guitar. Pete passed away unexpectedly in May 2006 and was loved by his friends, respected by his peers and is sorely missed by all who knew him.

— Doug Spike

(3/29/07)

 

 

 

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page last updated: Monday, May 14, 2012

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