In Loving Memory of Paula Rees
Approximately 25 eighth graders took part in a two-week artist residency at the Warren Harding Middle School in Des Moines ,Iowa with Fruteland Jackson and harmonica ace Jammin' Jimmy Schieffer and sponsored by the Central Iowa Blues Society , Iowa Arts Council and Rieman Music. This artist residency ran from October 21st to November 1st 2002 and ended with a student showcase. This was the second artist residency between CIBS and the *All About The Blues Series' founder Fruteland Jackson. Two of the eighth graders were in the previous artist residency in 1998 as fourth graders. For the first time television cameras were allowed inside to document this program during the workshops and the final showcase. The program was broadcast on Public School Television's Channel 12( )in the Iowa region. Also on exhibit here is the very fine photography of Larry Claus.
A special gallery exhibit was setup by photographers and graphic artists Jen Taylor and Scott Allen at www.vividpix.com (Go to Fruteland Jackson and click)
The students explored blues guitar and harmonica and songwriting in a series of daily workshops. All students kept journals and completed book reports on individuals who were important in the development of blues and other American roots music. All students learned to play "12 Bars" of blues, how to play and care for their instruments and stage presentation. Open G tuning and "C" Harmonicas were used.
The guitar students learned to play a blues shuffle and a boogie woogie as well as a country blues style. The harmonica student learned to play fills, intros and turnarounds, and a few were soloing at the end of the program. There were prizes awarded to the best guitarist and harp player and second place. All students received a certificate of participation.
The students chose the name Warren Harding Howlers and were joined by the Warren Harding Middle School Choir and Choir Director Jared Hall to assist with the final performance which included five songs and the original song "Cold Dry Dog Food Blues". Local musicians Scot Southerland and Brian Connett rounded out the rhythm section and held the "line" as the students got down to the business of playing and singing the blues. All total some fifty students took part in this program.
An "All Ages" concert was held at the award winning and premiere blues club in Central Iowa, The Blues on Grand . Some thirty students from the school district and their parents were in attendance. Several other area schools were visited by Fruteland Jackson and Jammin' Jimmy Schieffer included: Pace, Saydell High School, Scavo Alternative, Findley Elementary and Godrell Middle School.
The showcase took place at Capitol Square which is located in downtown Des Moines. Many thanks to the dream team of the Central Iowa Blues Society for making this event possible (Serena, Lynette, Jeff and Paula Rees, a friend and grant writer whose support and contributions to keeping the blues alive in Central Iowa will be missed.
"Try Trust and Triumph"-Brownie McGhee
Copyrighted©materials2002
