What does Artist in Residency include?
Assembly Performance: (45 minutes to 1 hour) Ellen Whyte performs examples of the various styles of blues music along with: a brief overview of the history and geographical roots of blues music; and a short demonstration on how to write a blues song.
Blues Background: (60 minutes per grade level) Introduce students to the history and evolution of blues, as well as the connection to "current" music. Many example are presented through video clips, sound examples, and stories of the blues masters.
Introduction to Songwriting: (60 minutes per grade level) Ellen shares the process of lyric writing and introduces students to a 12-bar blues format. Students learn how to tap into their creativity to write songs. Essentially, this is a brainstorming session. The objective is to get the elements of a song completed in verse and chorus format. This is a collaborative effort involving the students and Ellen.
Song Presentation: (60 minutes per grade level) Ellen shares the finished song (student lyrics set to music by Ellen recorded on a CD). Classes will continue to practice before the next session, using the CD.
Staging for Performance: This includes lining up and practicing for entering and exiting the stage area. Some songs will include basic choreography. Special attention is placed on stage presence and performance. Ellen will provide musical accompaniment.
Dress Rehersal: This a final run through of all the songs, grade by grade, with full band accompaniment.
Performance: This a scheduled date and time, either at the school or another community location.
Working With You
Each school will have different scheduling needs which Ellen can accommodate as needed.
"Bringing the Blues to Your School" can be flexible and vary in length and time. Fees are negotiable depending upon the duration of the residency. Ellen can discuss the following options with you:
- A full residency to include all grade levels.
- Creating a program to include one or more grade levels.
- Conducting a one-time blues assembly without a residency (fees apply).
- Or ... other ideas ... let's talk!