What Is The BluesEd Program?
BluesEd is an award-winning non-profit youth artist development program affiliated with the Blues Society of Omaha. The Blues Society of Omaha’s mission statement is “Keeping the Blues Alive.” The BluesEd program began in 2001 and was created to provide opportunities for talented Middle and High School age musicians to play with other students in a performing 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.
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.
Charting music is an important skill that will be taught and reinforced by the BluesEd Clinicians. Students are expected to listen and study the materials provided and work on the songs ahead of time to prepare for each workshop. Vocalists are expected to memorize the song lyrics prior to each workshop. Clinicians will assist the students with the basic chord structure, song arrangements, vocal harmonizing, and suggest different ways to arrange songs. The end goal for each workshop is that the students will be able to play their workshop songs with a strong musical and visual performance.
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 be committed to all performances with their assigned group.
- Be willing to study a song by listening and charting 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 and arrive in time to have all equipment setup before the start time.
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 at [email protected]
Why is BluesEd different than other youth development programs in the area?
1) BluesEd started in 2001, making it the oldest (and most experienced) of its kind in Omaha.
2) We have five clinicians in Omaha who work with each band and are working, well-known musicians in the Omaha/Midwest region.
3) We have 4 performance bands a season. Our season runs from April - August, not just a couple of weeks in the summer.
4) Our bands play at multiple venues and multiple times during the season. Not just one season ending performance.
5) The Blues Society of Omaha is our sponsor and provides financial, educational and moral support to our bands.
6) Tuition for BluesEd is nominal and includes professional instruction, performance opportunities and much more.
7) Some of our former students have gone on to work professionally in the music industry. See our Alumni page for updates on former BluesEd students.
8) Some of our bands have performed at the International Blues Challenge's Youth Showcase event held in Memphis, Tennessee: Crimson Dawn in 2012, Mojo Bag in 2015, Voodoo Vinyl in 2016, Us and Them in 2017, and The Redwoods in 2018.
9) Our bands have performed at the nationally acclaimed Playing With Fire Concert series every summer since 2004. This is typically the first big festival type performance for our bands with thousands of blues loving fans in attendance. Students have the opportunity to experience a big stage with professional festival style sound, lights and stage equipment.
10) Many national touring blues groups have worked with our students including: Bruce Katz, Rick Vito, Ben Poole, Peter Karp, Sue Foley and more!
11) BluesEd has earned the prestigious “Keeping the Blues Alive” award by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee in 2018. This award recognizes our parent organization, Blues Society of Omaha,
1) BluesEd started in 2001, making it the oldest (and most experienced) of its kind in Omaha.
2) We have five clinicians in Omaha who work with each band and are working, well-known musicians in the Omaha/Midwest region.
3) We have 4 performance bands a season. Our season runs from April - August, not just a couple of weeks in the summer.
4) Our bands play at multiple venues and multiple times during the season. Not just one season ending performance.
5) The Blues Society of Omaha is our sponsor and provides financial, educational and moral support to our bands.
6) Tuition for BluesEd is nominal and includes professional instruction, performance opportunities and much more.
7) Some of our former students have gone on to work professionally in the music industry. See our Alumni page for updates on former BluesEd students.
8) Some of our bands have performed at the International Blues Challenge's Youth Showcase event held in Memphis, Tennessee: Crimson Dawn in 2012, Mojo Bag in 2015, Voodoo Vinyl in 2016, Us and Them in 2017, and The Redwoods in 2018.
9) Our bands have performed at the nationally acclaimed Playing With Fire Concert series every summer since 2004. This is typically the first big festival type performance for our bands with thousands of blues loving fans in attendance. Students have the opportunity to experience a big stage with professional festival style sound, lights and stage equipment.
10) Many national touring blues groups have worked with our students including: Bruce Katz, Rick Vito, Ben Poole, Peter Karp, Sue Foley and more!
11) BluesEd has earned the prestigious “Keeping the Blues Alive” award by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee in 2018. This award recognizes our parent organization, Blues Society of Omaha,
