Blues in Schools

Rory Ellis (Australia) became the latest blues artist to carry the music to another generation when he visited Shipley C of E Primary School in June.

Phil Travis– Head teacher -Listening to an artist live gives you a much better understanding of their music when you play it on the CD. The children thoroughly enjoyed the concert this afternoon and we look forward to more from the bronte blues club.

My report on our Blues afternoon by Mujtaba Rashid (Year 4).(CD winning review!)

On Friday 25^th June Shipley C.E. Primary School were lucky enough to have a visit from a marvellous musician called Rory Ellis. He told us interesting facts about his life and where he lived. He lived in Melbourne, Australia. He was here to sing Blues music. His voice was sensational. He was using a guitar and a banjo. These instruments are similar. Rory’s first song was ‘The Road of No Return’. This song was cool. When I was sitting down I got used to the words then I started to sing along.After a while it was questions and answers. We asked Rory about what he did. He told us his songs like…

I knew only a few. Then he sang all his songs and Mr Travis showed us the Rory Ellis CD. It has his face on it.

When it was home time he was signing autographs. When I went home I went straight on to You Tube and watched Rory.

Big Pete & the Backbones(NL) played for

the children of Our Lady of Victories School, Keighley, on 21st May

The Matt Schofield Band entertained the pupils of Baildon C of E School on 30th April.

Matt Schofield’s blues band came to Baildon C of E on Friday 30^th April to play us some magnificent music, many of which were old blues song but some were there very own. Matt Schofield, a member of the band, has been learning since he was 11 (20 years) and he really enjoys playing.

The band, who were all very good at playing, came from all over the world ranging from Bristol to Spain. Since they are world famous, it was very hard to find a day when they were free but our fantastic Headmaster Mr Curtin found a free slot and Baildon C of E enjoyed it. Each member of the band played a different instrument (electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drum kit). The more the band played the more pupils enjoyed it.

Some people love rock; others, like Mr Curtin are bowled over by blues. The Blues Band played their hearts out for our enjoyment. “We played, our best to get the school to love blues and it looks like it worked, the whole school was swaying to the music.” Quoted Johnny.

“Matt Schofield’s Blues Band was a big hit” explained Mr Curtin. Evan Brownnutt, a pupil at the school says, “I enjoyed it so much I am going to start playing blues.” “It was fantastic and wonderful, amazing and inspiring to hear them play,” another pupil Alistair Goodall. Blues music has inspired many here at Baildon will it inspire you?

The Hamilton Loomis Band were great when they entertained the pupils and staff of Haworth Primary School on 26th March.

"On Friday 26th March, Haworth Primary School had a massive treat, because they saw a band called Hamilton Loomis perform great songs in the hall. When we arrived in the hall, four talented men with musical instruments were in my sight; one on the drums, one with a bass guitar and one with a saxophone. When every class had arrived we got introduced to the band. Before long the floor was vibrating because Hamilton Loomis were playing very loud music. I enjoyed listening to the songs they played. They were brilliant! After that, each band member showed us their instruments and told us a little bit about them and how they work. Then a few people asked questions like what it was like to be in a band. I found out how the saxophone could make different sounds and what the highest note was. Five minutes later they had finished answering questions and started playing some more music. Everyone was happily clapping along to the songs. One of the songs didn't have any singing and there was an excellent saxophone solo in it. When the music had stopped it was time to go back to class. Overall I loved watching Hamilton Loomis because they played fabulous music. My favourite song was the one about the dog because we all got to sing along. I would reccomend watching this band to someone who likes music.

The Guy Tortora Band entertained the pupils of the school and adults of the community of Laycock in the Village Hall before their concert on 5th March.

Persuading your school (Bradleys Both Primary) to bring Tommy Allen's Blues Band into school and then talking your Dad into letting you stay up late that night to see them at 'the bbc' ...Nice work, Sam!

Oliver Darling (left) and Tim Porter from 'The Dirty Robbers' entertain the pupils of St Anne's School, Keighley on 8th January.

When I first heard the Blues I thought they were very good but when he started to sing I enjoyed it even more because I wasn't expecting it. I was amazed at how many guitars he had. My favourite guitar was the metal one because it was very fancy and made a very nice noise. I also liked the harmonica and now I wish I had one ! The song I liked the most was 'You ain't nothing but a Hound Dog' because it made you want to get up and dance to it. Some people started moving around and moving to the music including myself. I even saw some of the teachers singing along as well. I was very excited when Year six started singing as well. It was shining in the room !

Click on thumbnail for Blues in Britain review mentioning the visit to St Annes.

The 'Honeyboy' Hickling Band visited Springwood Primary School, Bradford on 11th December.

Ben Waters drove from Poole, Dorset, overnight to entertain the pupils at Myrtle Park Primary School on 27th November

I thought “it” was outstanding because music makes me so happy. It was so amazing. Ben got everyone dancing and he could sing any song you asked him to do. I wish it was on all day because he’s so good at piano and I would give 10/10 for performance it was so good. I really wish I was in the band because Ben brings so much fun to it. It was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Ben Water is an inspiration to me and he has made me like it so much more with all the fun that he brings to the performance. I hope Ben gets so much further in his singing and piano because he is amazing. I would really want to go and see Ben do a gig.

Jill Fletcher (Teacher) - Thanks to Ben Waters and the Bronte Blues Club for bringing us such a wonderful musical experience.

As we came into the hall, a thrilling chatter hung in the air. A man stood in front of us and introduced himself to us as Toby Walker. He lived in USA, somewhere near New York. He introduced us to his band which was actually the fingers on his hand! His thumb was the bass player, while his other fingers dancing across the strings of his guitar.

Everyone enjoyed the afternoon. Toby did some drama with us of the men digging up the railway track while he performed a work song and we all clapped along and had loads of fun. We even got the chance to join in with him singing. One of the songs he performed was about a journey through the USA. We imagined we were really there and stopped off at many places to say hello, raced a battered old car to the signal, chugged alongside galloping horses and talked to a little boy on the train!

In retrospect, it was a marvellous experience and I would do anything to be back in the USA on that train racing the old car. Toby Walker himself put a huge amount of effort into it and we wouldn’t have had this opportunity without him. Thank you Toby!

Harper (Australia) and his band Midwest Kind (USA) visited Russell Hall and Shibden Head Primary Schools on 4th September.

On Friday at Russell Hall School a band called Harper came in to play for Key Stage two. They played six instruments, didgeridoo, harmonica, drums, an African drum, guitar, and bass guitar. The main man in the band was born in England,

grew up in Australia and lives in America. The band played Australian music. When he played the didgeridoo he put animal noises in to give it a twist he out in these noises: Dingo (dog), Kookaburra (bird), Kangaroo, Emu and he made his own which was a motorbike. A lady brought round the didgeridoo for people to feel the inside and one end was all wet and sticky. The outside was rock hard when you hit it, it really hurt.

My favourite song was one called “Ordinary Guy”, I don’t know why but I really liked it for some odd reason. Although the other songs were brilliant as well. I also really liked the bit when Mark the drummer played the African drum.

I really enjoyed it and everyone joined in even the teachers. Everyone joined in most at the end when you had to make the noise you liked best out of the animals, you were also given the option of a snake, but I still chose the dingo because I really like dogs!

Overall that was probably the best band I have seen in school ever! By Ashley (10)

Harper and the Midwest Blues came to Shibden Head School on Friday 4th of September. Harper was the lead singer, all the rest played the drums, bass guitar, and another guitar. Harper played the didgeridoo, it was very funny, he could do animal noises on the didgerisoo. One of the animal noises he played in his didgeridoo was the dingo dog. They were very, very good. they were super. That was the best band I have ever seen.

Harper asked the audience to clap to the tune and we did animal noises. I felt really happy. By Lucy Attwell.

Lightnin' Wil

lie, from Texas, and his harmonica player Giles King, visited Guardhouse Primary School on 10th July.

Anne-Marie – I think the concert was really, really good. It was interesting.

The pupils of Haworth Primary School enjoyed the visit of Fruteland Jackson, from Chicago, in May.

Mr Fruitman (Jackson) was hilarious. My favourite part was the rock and role music. Everyone was clapping and having a good time.

Whilst Flora, Jessica and Rose were deciding what to sing, Mrs La Vie came on. Once she’d started the performance got even better and everyone was laughing and cheering. It was brilliant. I really enjoyed it and it’s all thanks to Jackson, Hilary and Bob!

The Hamilton Loomis Band put on a great show for the pupils of Hollingwood Primary School on Friday 24th April.

The Hamilton Loomis Band!!!!!
The Hamilton Loomis Band was absolutely fantastic. I loved their songs, they were amazing, especially the "Bow Wow" song. The saxophone dude was wicked. The drummer was fast playing and cool. It was kind of Hamilton to let us join in their super, classic songs.

When the Kyla Brox Band came to our school on March 27^th I was amazed – it was unbelievable! I was inspired even more. I already play the clarinet so I don’t have to start to learn to play an instrument. When they played and sang I loved the songs and they made me feel very joyful.

The music was funky and super-loud! I enjoyed the band so much I want to be a famous rockstar!

You are a wonderful band to listen to. It was really good and FANTASTIC because you were in our school gym.

"....If every visit has the same response then blues music will be well served in the future with budding artists emerging from these visits. Thanks for everything ..." ( Mr M Curtin -Headteacher -Baildon C of E School)

The Kyla Brox Band came to Shipley C.E. Primary and gave a spectacular performance. It was on Wednesday 4^th of March. First of all the band introduced themselves, and their names were Kyla, Victor and Marshall. It was different type of music, but an extremely good type though it was blues music. Next they played’ Just one step too far’ for you to see.

Then they told us about blues music and how it evolved and made different types of music. After that they played two more songs and they were perfection the pulse was awesome the pitch was perfect the lyrics made sense. Next they played ‘Guilty’ and all of us clapped to the beat and at the end clapped so hard most of our hands hurt. At the end we screamed and clapped for more and they gave us one more great song and we asked questions.

Kyla was a great singer and a fantastic flutist and was very cheery.Victor was fantastically great and can play two instruments at a time and was loud and funny and was very talented. Marshall was awesome he could play an electric guitar brilliantly and didn’t speak much. But I would recommend them to anyone they were supreme and I want them again.

The Backbones visited Russell Hall Primary School on 13th March -Red Nose Day!

Michael Roach & Johnny Mars visited St. Anne's School, Keighley on 27th February

Amy Tough (aged 10) Some children at St Anne's Cathlolic Primary School Keighley were entertained by two blues musicians. The children were treated to a fabulous show. Throughout the show Johnny and Michel interacted with the children which they all really enjoyed. Johnny and Michael also explained to the children about the history of Blues music. They used a harmonica and two different types of Guitars. They raised the roof with their fantastic songs and everyone was singing along! Time flew by and before they knew it ,it was time to go home.

Personally I thought they were great ,no one was bored and and there were prizes to be won !

Winner of signed CD -Brooke (Year 4)

My review of Friday the 6th February!
My afternoon started when he introduced him self the man said were he lived, what he does for a a life and his hobby. He lives in Chicago. he also plays his guitar a lot and sings a lot. But he told us what it was like to live in Africa and what Americans do there. I especially liked the part when he told us why the Africans went to America.

The reason why he came, was to show us the real spirit in music and that music is not only instruments and voice, it is telling a story and what you feel inside. I enjoyed simply everything in every part.

We wrote a song down and it was funny it went like this (While clapping our hands) "Its a sunny day and I got the blues (repeat) I got the blues cause I have to go to school!"

One day I wish I could be great just like him

On 26th of January 2009 Memo Gonzales and the Bluescasters came into school. The Bearfootin' Band was the support group. They were phenomenal but I was anxiously waiting for Memo Gonzales and the Bluescasters. The unusual thing was, Memo Gonzales, the harmonica/vocalist, Kai, the lead guitarist, Erkan, the bass guitarist and Henk, the drummer, were all from different countries!

Finally, my long wait was over and the best blues band ever came on the stage! They were out-of-this-world, amazing, brilliant. They sang my favourite song; 'You Got Me Rolling'! I loved it. The children were ecstatic, their faces glowing with excitement whilst the teachers danced the day away.

It was an outstanding event. It was great, it was exciting, it was amazing! I especially liked the part where Kai easily played the guitar behind his back, although the 'Rolling Song' wasn't far behind. It was brilliant, and Memo Gonzales was great fun!

At the end, Memo Gonzales gave away his own personal harmonica to the best dancer, it was Asdhley Baxter. The Bluescasters were from all sorts of countries such as : Turkey, Germany, Holland and the USA. They are all based in Germany now. I think it is incredible that they all work together! I would highly recommend the show to anyone who loves to dance!

The Ramon Goose Band played at Myrtle Park Primary School on 9th January (Photo - Ros Owens)

Hannah- ( who surprised everyone by playing the drums brilliantly after Paul picked her out from the

After the concert – Elliott – ‘It was good- I haven’t ever seen a bass guitar with five strings’.

Dominic - ‘It was fun and very cheerful. Ramon Goose brought the music to life’.

Holly- ‘ It was really cool –I’ve never heard music like that before’.

Top UK Blues Band Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes visited St Anthony's Primary School, Bradford on 12th December.

Paul lamb and the Kings Snakes are one of the most amusing bands I have ever seen before, as they have been award winners for 5 years, (pretty good!) They have some very good songs that they played for us, whilst using instruments such as, the harmonica which sounded very soothing when Paul played it, the electric base and the guitar and the singer was very good because he played the guitar and sang at the same time! The songs were great they got the whole school dancing, clapping, waving our hands and signing the responses! Everybody looked like they were having the time of their life’s! They were such a great band and we all loved them if they are listening “thank you so much!”

Oliver Darling played at St Joseph's Primary School on 5th December picture - Barbara

by Bradley Bremner (St Joseph's Primary School 'Blues in Schools Review' WINNER)

On Friday 5th December, Oliver Darling, from the Blues band came to are school to play the guitar. He also let us sing with him to 'Jimmy Crack Corn and I don't care'. He sang 'Run run Rudolph' and Mrs Hamer asked him to sing 'Hey Jude' by the Beatles. He was really good at the singing and playing guitar and he played a classic old guitar and he was awesome at it,. He didn't know 'Hey Jude' that much, but he tried his best. When we all sang 'Jimmy Crack Corn and I don't care' we had to sing the name for the chorus.

He is my best guitar player and singer ever! The songs he sung was American. Like the Wild West or Texas. Wherever he goes he is famous. I know my sister is good, but your better. I hope he comes because I want him to come again. He's better at the guitar than singing. I like his singing as well. If I see him in town I will recognize him .....

The pupils at Long Lee Primary School had a great time with International Blues Star Sherman Robertson and his band on 21st November.

Long Lee was rocking to the beat of the Blues when Sherman Robertson came to town with his band on the 21^st November. It was great because they told you about the instruments they played. They told us about the Piano, Drums, Bass Guitar and Electric Guitar. My favourite instruments were the Electric Guitar and the Drums because they made a great rocking sound. Throughout the concert the rhythm was catching and Long Lee was clapping to the beat. For the final song our help was needed and our singing nearly raised the roof.

Picture below shows Kent Duchaine visiting Keelham Primary School (Denholme) on 7th November 2008. (by Barbara)

On 7th November 2008, Kent Duchaine a talented person) came to Keelham Primary and played Delta Blues to the whole school. The children and teachers enjoyed his spectacular music, by clapping along, also some of the teachers were singing along to a few of the songs.Kent was playing his very own electric guitar which was made out of steal, although it was old, it still played good music and had good rhythm. His singing was superb and very clear. He even made a song up about his brother. Kent told us you can make up songs wherever you are about whatever you want. Some songs were about summertime, his brother, a little red rooster and many more.

We all loved his amazing music and we all say a great big 'Thank you' for coming and singing the Delta Blues. Nobody will ever forget his super music

The Groanbox Boys entertained pupils from Russell Hall Primary, Shibden Head Primary and Thornton Grammar Schools on 10th October.

Today at Russell Hall there was no groaning because the GROANBOX BOYS came to school from America. One was called Michael, one Cory and the other Paul. There were three weird people and even weirder instruments. One was a tree, another a cup and a pumpkin thing which was used as a cool drum. They had a strange boot with a stick in it like a wooden leg with beer lids on the side and sheep's claws and key rings around the top. The children liked them because they made extraordinary things. The children also got to see their friends from Shibden Head, who came to watch.

The GROANBOX BOYS are a wonderful band they play lots of different music. They play American Blues, gypsy and folk.

One of the band is from Canada, his name is Paul. There is one called Cory, he plays some fabulous instruments . They got me clapping and nearly made me want to dance, if you come and see the Groanbox Boys you'll tell everyone you know - I did. They've made a boot out of bottle tops it is just a fabulous band I give it 5 stars *****

Bronte Blues Club Keighley's INTERNATIONAL BLUES venue		Blues in Schools As featured in (October 2008)