BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS

*

BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS *

Inspiring the next generation

B.I.T.S.

program goals include:

  • Learn the connection between the Blues and other music styles

  • Understand and recognize rhythm and how to keep a beat

  • Discover how instruments make the sounds they do

  • Find rhythms, metaphors or similes in a song

  • Learn how music styles can change based on geography and instrument.

If you're interested in bringing BITS to your school, please let us know by sending a message from the CONTACT US page or for more information CLICK HERE.

Want to help BITS

*

Want to help BITS *

5% Cover the Fee

Your donation assists our organization to continue funding the BITS program. Your donations will assist in purchasing harmonicas that are given to each student to keep and allows them to participate in workshops that teach them how to play it. They will learn the 12-bar blues, the history of blues music and when time allows, they will participate in writing songs. Reminder, The Blues Society of the Ozarks is a 501c3 designated organization, your donation is tax deductible. You will be emailed a receipt after payment.

Use this form to donate today.

As always, it is an honor to partner with The Blues Society of The Ozarks to raffle off a beautiful guitar to benefit the Blues in the Schools Program.

The upcoming B.I.T.S. Guitar, raffle drawing will take place on 12/10/2026. $10.00 Raffle tickets can be purchased at our monthly jams or at Ernie Willaimson Music store, Springfield, MO location.

This Sire Larry Carlton L3 Cherry Electric Guitar is our B.I.T.S. raffle guitar for 2026. A classy 50's style guitar with a P90 pickup design for easy playability, light weight body, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fretboard, and wraparound bridge for improved sustain and resonance. 

Blues in the Schools (B.I.T.S.) is a program in which we educate students of all ages on Blues Music, by visiting schools and different facilities. Harmonicas are given to the participating students. We also teach them some Blues history and give them a description of our instruments and how they work. 

We play them songs and the students will join along at the appropriate times. Videos are also shown to the students. I like to bring up students playing harmonica, or the Blues that pertains to what we are discussing.

Thank you for buying a raffle ticket and keeping this program alive.

B.I.T.S. Guitar Raffle Winner and Info for drawing held 5/15/26

The photo is of Jewel and Sean (Sean made the guitar). Jewel’s name was drawn at the BSO Jam on 5/14/26.

This guitar was put together by Sean Hunter. This is a Stratocaster style electric guitar. Three single coil pick-ups. It plays really smooth. This guitar will be given away on April 26th, at the Carrie's Jam. Your $5 raffle ticket will help buy harmonicas for public school children. Our B.I.T.S. program is keeping the Blues alive for future generations.

All the proceeds go to the successful on-going BITS program that George Hunt and Bob Bledsoe conduct in Public Schools, but also at the Division of Youth Services and other youth facilities.

It’s amazing to think that over 600 kids have received a harmonica within the last year have learned how to play it, learned 12 bar blues, history of blues music and written songs. Thanks to all who bought tickets this year!