The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Riley Foundation, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and other private sources.

A new avenue of exploring Mississippi History

History Mississippi Blues Commission Mississippi Blues Trail Blues Trail Curriculum Mississippi Arts Commission National Endowment for the Arts Key People Scott Barretta – Sociologist/Historian, University of Mississippi Dr. Mark Malone – Musician/Educator, William Carey University Mary Margaret Miller - Project Director, Mississippi Arts Commission

6 core areas 3 lessons in each area Semester long project – one lesson each week Lessons can be taught individually Media samples include: Interviews Field recordings Songs Videos

MUSIC Blues Basics Singing and Playing the Blues Instruments of the Blues MEANING Themes of the Blues Emotions of the Blues Women and the Blues COTTON Geography Vocabulary Migration

TRANSPORTATION The Mississippi River Trains Highways and Automobiles CIVIL RIGHTS General Complaints Political Lyrics Civil Rights Movement MEDIA Early Years of the Blues Recording the Blues Radio and the Blues

Generates interest in blues music, culture and history among Mississippi youth while encouraging young people to learn to play the blues style Success Stories from the Blues Trail Curriculum

Creates community pride and greater understanding of the individual contributions of Mississippians to the blues movement at large Success Stories from the Blues Trail Curriculum

Ensures future generations understand, and can articulate, the influence of Mississippi culture on American music Success Stories from the Blues Trail Curriculum

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For more information: Charlotte Smelser Arts Education Director Facebook…LIKE US Mississippi Arts Commission