Hello Dr. Jones + Kenwood Family,
It has been a dream since childhood to have a centrally located place where children could come and play the Blues in a user-friendly environment. Fast-forward to adulthood, the dream has come to fruition. Today we celebrate life through music by welcoming Blues Kids and instructors from across the world to Blues Camp. Feel free to call me at 773-841-5262. On this page you find everything you need for the camp. My CPS Vendor # is 21794.
My first Blues Camp was established at Columbia College Chicago on July 5th, 2010 with 77 Blues Kids ranging from 7 to 18 years old. Four years later, it has expanded to The American Theatre (Hampton, VA), The Fender Center for the Performing Arts (Corona, CA), Galveston College (Galveston, TX), and Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, TX), California State University at Los Angeles, The New World School of the Arts / Miami Dade College (Miami, FL), and The Premises Recording Studios in London, England. Click here for my website. Email Feedback
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Hello from Greg L. Jones, Ed. D., Principal
Chicago Public Schools and the Blues Kids Foundation proudly present Fernando Jones' Blues Camp this summer at Kenwood Academy High School. Blues Camp is free for student musicians ages 12 to 18. All instruments are welcome. (We will add the full press release. Your picture and voice will be where Evonne's is.)
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Memorandum of Understanding
The Blues Kids Foundation would like to establish and provide an annual event entitled "Fernando Jones Blues Camp" to be in-residence at Kenwood Academy High School tailored to your budget.
The Blues Kids Foundation will provide the curriculum, student forms, instructors and supervision, etc. The resources that we are requesting include: In-kind classroom and facility space, music equipment (TBA), marketing & publicity, and other related essentials. We will discuss the budget.
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Ideal Dates
Possible weeks we can establish Blues Camp at Kenwood Academy High School. These dates can be confirmed as early as the first week of November.
• June 1 - 5, 2015
• June 29 - July 3, 2015
• July 6 - 10, 2015 (may be the ideal week)
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Mission
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 education (pedagogy + andragogy), literacy and music as a second language.
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Adult Ed
In keeping with the mission, we also facilitate a professional development and team building workshop entitled "Use the Blues to Help Improve Literacy: Music and Technology as a Second Language" for educators, parents and companies. Our clientele includes Nike, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame + Museum, the National Alliance of Black School Educators and the Smithsonian Institute.
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Logistics
Budget
We will tailor Blues Camp to your budgetary needs.
Audition Process
Live or online auditions for admission may be held at the Academy.
Permission Waivers & Medical Forms
These forms will be sent electronically to the parents/guardians of the participants. In order to enter into Blues Camp, in addition to passing the audition, these forms must be completed by the deadline set.
Traditional Ensemble Size(s)
• 3 to 5 ensembles with 25 to 50 student musicians in total per camp.
For example, 25 local / 15 to 20 national / 5 international student musicians.
• 7 to 12 student musicians in each ensemble (depending on instrumentation, of course).
Ensemble Instrumentation (may include but not be limited to):
Drums and percussions, bass, 2 to 4 guitars (2 rhythm, 2 lead), 1 to 2 Keyboards, 1 to 4 horns, harmonica, a 4 to 8 piece string section and 3 to 4 vocalists.
Classroom/Ensemble Room Space Requirements
2 to 4 ensemble or multipurpose rooms w/backline gear (bass amp, 4 guitar amps, keyboard + amp, drum kit, 2 microphones + PA system in each room); 1 auditorium or main multipurpose room for the morning assembly.
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Frequently asked Questions
Q. How much does it cost to attend Blues Camp?
A. Not a dime. Students that pass the audition are awarded tuition waiver scholarships.
Q. Who are the instructors?
A. We have a cadre of college instructors and world-class Chicago Blues educators/players.
Q. We live abroad and would like to attend, is it just for America kids?
A. If your child passes the audition they are welcome to attend. In the past, we have had student musicians attend from far away as Europe.
Q. How can I support the Blues Kids Foundation and Blues Camp?
A. Send us an email to Giving@BluesKids.com and tell us what your interests are.
Q. Can I donate airplane travel "miles" and gift cards to the foundation?
A. Yes.
Q. How old does my child have to be to participate in Blues Camp?
A. We promote the age group of 12 to 18. However, if they are 9 or 10 year old, mature and can play at the level of the others, then they’ve got a good chance.
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5 Day Schedule Example
Monday to Thursday
8:00 AM Healthy Morning Snacks
8:30 AM Morning Assembly / Roll Call / Star Spangled Banner
8:45 AM Ensemble Sessions Start
11:00 AM Ensemble Sessions End
11:15 AM Special Guest Visitor
11:30 AM Lunch / Recess
12:00 PM First Session Ends
Optional
1:00 PM Private Lessons
3:00 PM Dismissal
Friday
8:00 AM Healthy Morning Snacks
8:30 AM Morning Assembly / Roll Call / Star Spangled Banner
8:45 AM Ensemble Sessions Start
11:00 AM Ensemble Sessions End
11:30 AM Leave for final concert
1:00 PM Culminating Activity
3:00 PM Concert Ends
Photos by Fernando Jones & Glenn Kaupert
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