Angela Ammerman Swansboro Middle School

The Blues  Black American Folk music  Most influential form of traditional American music  Almost all pop music today stems from the Blues  Transmits African American heritage through music  Documents legislative, political, and social evolution of America  Encourages female power and African American success

Blues Music and Africa  Blues music teaches about music in Africa  The history of America and Africa can be taught through the blues  Cross Curricular activities are necessary in studying the blues  Outlines the history of Slavery in the United States and the beginnings of slavery from Africa

Activities and Funding Academia as a Musical Experience Instrumental Needs  Blues Ensembles Teach America’s history through experience Experiences solidify knowledge Further connections are made as academic material is combined with musical material  20 guitars  20 harmonicas

Additional Activities  African Improvisation N’Goma A community event involving singing, dancing, and percussion If successful, we will perform at the Swansboro Music and Arts Festival  Interview of Local Blues Musicians: Community Involvement Role Models for students Combined performance at Swansboro Talent Show (if local musician is available)

Practical Considerations  Grade Level – 6 th Grade  Class Size – 20 Students  Meetings: Each day for 40 minutes  This course will last 8 weeks