OUR PROGRAMS
The Alabama Blues Project is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing Blues music lessons for children ages 6-18 in the areas of vocals, harmonica, guitar and drums. Our students are taught by the best Blues musicians in the state and learn about the history of the Blues as well as how to perform the blues.
Our programs reach a wide variety of children, including at-risk and troubled youth, and our unique Blues camps pass on Alabama's rich Blues culture to the next generation while teaching self-esteem, discipline, cross-cultural understanding, interaction, and teamwork. Our programs have been awarded the National Coming up Taller Award by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the Keeping the Blues Alive award from the Blues Foundation.
BLUES IN SCHOOL
Hands-on Education in the Classroom
Blues in School is designed to give students in varying grade levels an more comprehensive, hands-on experience by partnering with the schools to work in the classroom. Students take on a musical instrument and learn about blues music and its history through out these semester long programs.
AFTER-SCHOOL BLUES CLUB
Extra-Curricular Programming for Clubs
Blues Clubs are designed for a more flexible approach to our classroom-oriented programs. Built for after-school or summer sessions, Alabama Blues Project works with the host organization to tune the depth of instruction and duration of the programs to their special needs.
SUMMER BLUES CAMP
A Week of Art and Music to Fill the Summer Blues
Summer Blues Camp focuses on teaching students to see the Blues in the context of Alabama folk art culture. Throughout the week, students have classes in Blues history, interdisciplinary sessions with local artists, writers, and dancers, and in-depth instruction on guitar, drums, or vocals. The camp ends with a free final performance for families and the general public. Scholarships are available.
ALABAMA BLUES WEEK
A Partnership for the Blues
The week includes multiple live blues performances at area venues, including Government Plaza.
Nominated students from the West Alabama area attend the weekend sessions held at The University of Alabama at no cost. Students are immersed in the Blues with master classes and sessions led by Blues and music industry experts.
The Alabama Blues Project is excited to collaborate with the University of Alabama's School of Music faculty and College of Continuing Studies to help keep the Blues alive through this annual event.
To learn how your school can nominate students to attend Alabama Blues Week, please contact Tom Wolfe at twolfe@ua.edu or 205.348.7139.
