Blues in the Schools

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Bits Mission Statement

Chronology

The Walla Walla Blues Society, in the fall of 1999, implemented two programs that are aimed at benefiting the area's youth that have both received much acclaim and local support... the 'Blues In The Schools' and 'Instruments For Kids' programs. Our mission is to offer a blues educational program for school aged children in our region (Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, Pendleton, Dayton, Waitsburg, Prescott, etc.) through a series of presentations and performances by local, regional and national blues musicians, historians and teachers. These programs can only succeed through community involvement. Your support is crucial to the success of this wonderful program, both through your financial donations and by joining the Walla Walla Blues Society and becoming actively involved.

The Instruments For Kids program goes hand in hand with the Blues In The Schools Program. In a nutshell, the Walla Walla Blues Society will accept any instruments, new or used ... which will then be passed on to students who wish to participate in their school's band program but can't afford their own instruments. If they stay with the program, the instruments will become theirs permanently. I have two boys who play the saxophone in their school band and I can personally attest to the fact that instruments are not cheap! It is a shame if there are children in our area that have a desire to learn to play a musical instrument but are denied that opportunity merely because they can't afford to buy or rent that instrument.

Like the Blues In The Schools program, the Instruments For Kids program needs YOUR help to succeed. We need donations of musical instruments that have been collecting dust in your closets and attics since you were a school aged kid. Why not put them in the hands of underprivileged children who will really appreciate them? Or maybe you have a newer instrument that is just sitting because your child decided to quit band after 3 weeks. New or used ... it doesn't matter. Bottom line ... let's get these instruments to the kids who can really use them. As well as donations of instruments, we could also use financial donations to help offset the cost of repairing the used instruments. Or maybe even a local music store that repairs instruments donating their time to a very worthy cause? How about it? Is there anyone out there that will step up for a good cause?

Both the Blues In The Schools and the Instruments For Kids programs are very worthwhile programs aimed at providing education, entertainment and instruments for our children ... while at the same time helping to instill our kids with a sense of pride, self-accomplishment and musical potential ... not to mention a deep love for music that will very likely stay with them the rest of their lives. A very rewarding endeavor if you ask me. And you can help! If you would like to make a financial contribution to either of these programs ... or donate a new or used instrument ... call Walla Walla Blues Society President Ray Hansen at 509-525-4504 or Board Member "Torch" Davis at 509-529-2476 or you can reach the WWBS via email. And remember ... the Walla Walla Blues Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization ... so all of your contributions are tax deductible.