Blues in Schools
Overview
Since Billy Branch's first Blues in Schools Program in Chicago thirty years ago, he has delivered his empowering curriculum to students all over the world. For example, the Ford Foundation funded a two-week program in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico to demonstrate the common legacy of African-American and African-Mexican cultural roots.
What Students Gain
Billy Branch's Blues in Schools interactive program provides students with the opportunity to:
- —Develop collaboration & teamwork skills
- —Cultivate multi-cultural appreciation
- —Enhance their creative expression
- —Practice their writing skills
- —Broaden their horizons
- —Explore their musical interests & aptitudes
- —Interact with world class musicians
- —Increase their understanding of American History
After writing original songs, learning old Blues standards, and developing musical performance skills, the students perform at a local festival or venue with Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues!
Indianola, Mississippi
Billy Branch spent two weeks in Mississippi teaching 1,500 students to play the BB King Special on harmonica. On the day of the grand opening of the BB King Museum, over a thousand students from neighboring towns met at Indianola High School. Like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Billy led the students down the streets of Indianola to the BB King Museum, playing their harmonicas the whole way — what a way to honor the King of the Blues!
Long-Term Residencies
BIS students learn to play drums, bass, guitar, and piano in long-term residencies. The students learn from world class performing musicians.
Since 2022, Billy Branch has partnered with the Pinetop Perkins Foundation each summer, hosting workshops where accomplished young musicians sharpen their skills alongside blues legends.
Alumni Spotlight
Owuor Arunga is a Blues in Schools alum who has exploded onto the world stage. Even at 12 years of age he was a standout trumpet player and songwriter. Now he graces the stage with international sensation Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — whether it's the American Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, or Billboard Magazine, these artists deliver with both passion and social consciousness.
DeAndre Enrico is another Blues in Schools alum making his mark. He played bass with former BIS student Ayron Jones in his band A.J. and the Way — a hard-hitting Blues rock band making waves with original tunes like “Baptized in Muddy Waters,” giving reference to their Blues roots. Now these musicians are full grown artists playing to sold-out crowds.
