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Bluegrass to schools

Bluegrass is in a unique position: it can be presented as a music fit for increasing motivation to master a musical instrument or singing; it is often being taught in an informal manner in house environment (with family members or relatives and family friends) or in an environment of group of friends. This makes it more acceptable than formal musical tuition, where the most motivational background in some public school of arts might be once-yearly presentation for X-mas party.

Another surprising plus for non-English speaking nations is its handy use as an additional tool for English language lessons, which run at all public and private schools; the need for more English songs in repertoire is another motivation created by bluegrass, which complements an interest to master an accoustic instrument.

Many bluegrass bands have already positive experiences with this activity, and I am quite sure that with gradual work on the opinion of key people it will be possible to reach some structured access to schools. Besides these experiences, we should be also able to use the positive feedback of teachers and educators on various levels.

I want to thank all band leaders, who might have a cordial interest to reach to the potential reservoire of future bluegrass audience!

The inactivity does not lead anywhere, pesimism does not solve a thing, and don't forget: who plays, makes no mischief!!!

Display #
#	Web Link	Hits
1	The Scottish program for Bluegrass to schools This link is taken from the Schottish Bluegrass Association web page and contains a document with detailed offer of bluegrass music production for schools, complete with evaluation forms. A great inspiration, once I can translate it into Czech. :-)	276
2	Bluegrass in the Schools The Foundation for Bluegrass Music believes strongly in passing bluegrass music along to the next generation of fans and musicians. One of our goals is to help educators (elementary – university level, including home schooling parents) to become more “bluegrass aware.” Bluegrass music, a relatively new style of music (the classic sound jelled in the mid-‘40s with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys), is one of the very few musical genres to originate in the United States—so it has a roots music cultural value for American students in particular. Like jazz and blues, it’s also a valid style of music for teaching improvisational skills.	299
3	Martin Žák - concerts for schools Martin Žák does not forget even the small musicians. The testimony of this is e.g. publication First steps with guitar alias Simple Country Guitar for little beginners (Country Home 1999). And last but not least also a nice string of children's tunes or music educational events including concerts for schools, through which children of all age categories get face-to-face experience with interesting chapters of history, have a chance to both see and hear some common and also almost forgotten musical instruments, visit far away lands and actively take part in the whole program in a fun way. The integral part of Martin's shows for schools are not only autentic and often precious musical instruments, but in case of large events "Before the turntable got turning" and "When a settler sings" also the historical costumes, stylish decorations and on the top of it also fitting light effects and sound. "At schools, when you see so many innocent faces in front of you, you can never feel that you should give it up. You can never say: There is no hope. You will keep trying." Pete Seeger, Martin's teacher	281

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