Corpus Christi celebrates 20 years participating in the Blues in the Schools program this year! The school’s first coach, bluesman TJ Wheeler, is returning 20 years later to help the celebrations with the East meets West core group featuring Flamenco guitarist James Cohen teaching palmas and dance.
Corpus Christi teacher Jeannie Wong, who has been there from the beginning, is a huge supporter of the program and of the lasting effect music can have on young students. In her words;
“The Corpus Christi Catholic School students have been honoured to participate, learn, and embrace Blues and Roots music for the past 20 years working with world class professional musicians and artists. The students learn about singing, rhythm, beat, harmony, playing instruments such as harmonicas, diddly bows, fiddles and washtub bass, and writing and performing songs for students, staff, family and friends at the school and on the amazing Bluesfest stages! They also learn about the importance of the history of modern music and where it comes from.
Jeannie Wong and her famous banana bread!
It is wondrous to witness these students grow over the years. Many of them continue to participate at the Bluefest School of Music and Art with the generous supplemental lessons program offered by Blues in the Schools. Some Corpus Christi alumni have graduated to the next Bluesfest program ‘Be in the Band’. The life long skills of collaboration, teamwork, communication, and developing their musical skills as a band help them to develop the confidence to pursue their dreams through post secondary education and future fulfilling careers.
It all started with the joy of music in the primary classes at Corpus Christi School in collaboration with RBC Bluesfest! 20 years of music education have helped to shape a generation of students to love and appreciate the joy of music and integrate it into the fabric of their lives!”
Thanks Jeannie, and to all the amazing team at Corpus. We are looking forward to the next 20 years!
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Blues in Schools began in 1999 and has been visiting approximately 20 schools per year. Over the course of our twenty one year run, the ‘Team Behind Bluesfest’ has invested more than $1 million in local and visiting artists/educators who deliver the Blues in the Schools program. With 20 schools participating, approximately 7000 students are engaged every day during the presentation portion of the program. Participating Schools are generally from Rockland to Carleton Place, including the Ottawa Carleton School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board and the Upper Canada School Board. Blues in the Schools is supported by staff, sponsors, volunteers and our board of directors.
Corpus Christi celebrates 20 years participating in the Blues in the Schools program this year! The school’s first coach, bluesman TJ Wheeler, is returning 20 years later to help the celebrations with the East meets West core group featuring Flamenco guitarist James Cohen teaching palmas and dance.
