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Blues Camp @ Governors State University

1 University Pkwy, University Park, IL 60484

Monday, July 29 - Wednesday, July 21, 2024

Blues Kids Foundation and its Blues Angels are proud to be on the cutting edge of Blues andragogy and pedagogy with Fernando Jones' 1st Annual Blues Camp on the campus of Governors State University. National and international student musicians ages 12 to 18 can be involved by auditioning for placement between now and July 12th. Placement is for beginner, intermediate and advanced level vocalists and instrumentalist. To audition, visit BluesKids.com/EarlyBird or call us at (779) BluesMe.

We are not looking for the best "Blues Kid" players in the world. We are looking for the Blues Kid who wants to be in a music program with like-minded others. 

Step 1: Audition Rules (Click)

Step 2: Blues Kid Audition Form (Click)

https://form.jotform.com/92940644380157

Step 3: Blues Camp Emergency Form and Handbook (Click)

https://form.jotform.com/231825941847162

Step 4: Parent Volunteer Form (Click)

https://form.jotform.com/221769222865160

Blues Camp Brochure (Click to download)

"The non-profit Blues Kids Foundation holds annual Fernando Jones Blues summer camps, 

where students as young as eight or nine years old hone their chops."

Rolling Stone Magazine (Click for article)

"[Fernando] you are one in a million trying to get to the bottom of the barrel of the Blues.

Buddy Guy (Click to see photo of the two)

 

"Unlike Jazz camps, camps that focus on the Blues are a rarity.

[Fernando] Jones’ Blues Camps have become an annual rite of Summer."

Downbeat (Click for article)

"Few Chicago Blues musicians have done more to nurture

the next generation of talent than guitarist Fernando Jones."

Chicago Tribune (Click for article)

• •

The Blues Kids Foundation is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We were established to preserve, perform and promote the Blues among America's youth, parents and educators under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors. Our focus is on education, literacy, social emotional learning and music as a second language.

If you'd like to make us your charity of choice

click the secure "Donate" button.

Our Structure

​Assessment Measures

Click here for the Kennedy Center's ArtsEdge Standards that we use.

​Assessment Measures

  • Pre-Course Evaluation

  • Oral and Written Quizzes

  • Homework Assignments

  • Class Participation

  • Rehearsal Performance Prep

  • Concert Performances Evaluation

  • Final Presentation Project

  • Exit Course Evaluation

Goals

• Keep Blues youthful and exciting, while preserving and building the on the past.

• Provide Blues Kids with the basic skills (musically, socially, emotionally and linguistically) necessary to play proficiently and effectively in a music community.

• Introduce this indigenous American art form to new audiences.

• Use critical thinking skills, while collaborating with others.

• Apply practical skills learned in class in culminating activities on stage.

• Promote digital learning and embrace technology.

• Contributions to the future of the Blues musically, socially and culturally

• Present the next generation of musicians as scholars and proficient players.

• Introduce students to the art of live professional performance.

Objectives

• Introduce the history of American music through the lens of the Blues.

• Keep the Blues youthful and exciting, while preserving the past.

• Represent the next generation of Blues artist as scholars and proficient players + vocalists.

• Learn the importance of the Blues from a sociological and historical perspective focusing on the future.

• Use critical thinking skills and collaborate with others.

• Apply practical skills learned in class in a culminating activity on stage.

Blues Camp International
Blues Camp on Around Chicago at Esmond 2:23

Blues Camp on Around Chicago at Esmond 2:23

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Blues Camp w/Ana Belaval at Esmond (1:13)

Blues Camp w/Ana Belaval at Esmond (1:13)

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Blues Camp Florida

Blues Camp Florida

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Blues Camp Florida Short News Clip

Blues Camp Florida Short News Clip

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Fernando Jones & My Band!
Fernando Jones & My Band! Feat. Felton Crews and Quincy Cochran.

Fernando Jones & My Band! Feat. Felton Crews and Quincy Cochran.

02:59
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Fernando Jones & My Band!

Fernando Jones & My Band!

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Fernando Jones' Silent Movie Promo

Fernando Jones' Silent Movie Promo

00:13
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Fernando Jones & My Band!

Fernando Jones & My Band!

00:29
Play Video
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