Hawkeye Herman Blues In Schools

Here is another article from fellow Iowan Hawkeye Herman.  Hawkeye teaches blues in schools, and this is another article about his program.  I really like what he has to say about No Child Left Behind.  He is right that we are training kids to take the test not how to think.  This article originally appeared in Big City Blues Magazine.

Blues in Schools



Hawkeye Herman
Blues Education More Important Than Ever

Big City Rhythm & Blues  Oct. - Nov. 2011
By "PROFESSOR" BONNI McKEOWN

Michael "Hawkeye" Herman, acoustic guitarist, mandolinist and historian, has been doing his Blues in the Schools programs for 33 years now. Today he says blues education is more important than ever.

Just as students in Spain learn about Miguel de Cervantes who wrote the first European novel, Don Quixote, in the early 1600s, and students in France learn about Impressionist artists, Americans young and old should learn about, and be proud of, the blues, he says.

"Students need to be informed that the world didn't start when they were born. Everything has history and roots in the past," says Hawkeye. He notes that blues has influenced today's popular music--rock, country, bluegrass, folk, rap/hip-hop, jazz, and even contemporary classical.

"Blues music developed from work songs/field hollers and sacred/spiritual music as a result of the experiences of oppression and disenfranchisement of African Americans," he states. Blues has deeply influenced many aspects of American culture, even world culture. "In my humble opinion, this original American art form, blues music, is the greatest cultural gift of the USA to the world. Blues music is what I refer to as the watershed of American popular music."

Hawkeye has found his own ways to keep the attention of today's easily distracted youth. He tells them the origins of blues in work songs of the cotton fields and levee camps, and points out music can make any of their own chores go faster. He gets them to sing his original ditty to remember the blues is the root of American popular music, and makes people happy, not sad: "The Blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll! It makes me feel good from my head down to my toes!"

Born in the upper Mississippi River valley in Davenport, Iowa in 1945, Herman tuned in to blues on the late night radio: Memphis, Shreveport, Dallas, New Orleans, Little Rock, Chicago, Detroit. He got his first guitar in 1959 at age 14, and two vears later was performing. Moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1968 to broaden his musical horizons, he sought out and studied with blues icons including Son House, Brownie McGhee, Bukka White, Mance Lipscomb, Furry Lewis, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Jackson, K.C. Douglas, and Sam Chatmon. He became a staple in the Bay Area blues scene as both a solo artist and a back-up guitarist and worked with Charles Brown, Haskell "Cool Papa" Sadler, Sonny Rhodes, Jimmy McCracklin, Buddy Ace, Charles Houf, Little Joe Blue, Boogie Jake, and many others.

Hawkeye began touring outside California in 1984, and has won a following at blues and folk festivals and concerts throughout the US, Canada and Europe. He performs traditional blues, ballads, swing, and original tunes on both six- and 12-string guitar, slide guitar and slide mandolin.

He first started doing blues education in 1978: "It's my way to repay the many iconic blues artists who took the time to teach me, personally, how to play the blues, for giving me the skills to make a living throughout my life via blues music, to repay African American culture for this greatest of gifts, and to bring more visibility and recognition to blues music and to those who went before us.”

Hawkeye studied theatre and communications in college, and his sister Ellie Herman, education professor at the University of Iowa, has helped him design teaching methods to share his love of blues history and music. His programs have reached over 500 schools, over 500,000 students from elementary through college level in 29 states and in eight foreign nations. In 1998 he received the Blues Foundation's "Keeping the Blues Alive" award for education. He served six years on the BF board of directors, chairing the education committee, and was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2004.

He has also designed and presented a “Teaching the Teachers” master class to help other blues educators use their talents to reach students for the Blues Foundation in Memphis, for seven blues societies in the USA, and for four years at the Blues sur Seine Festival in France. These workshops have trained 200 regional blues educators who are now working in all levels of education in the USA and in Europe.

Now based in Oregon, Hawkeye returned to his Iowa turf this year to give a blues-in-school residency for the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. He also did a residency in Reno, Nevada, and blues guitar workshops at the American River Acoustic Music Camp in California, as well as performing at the Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival in Springfield, OR, and Tumbleweed Music Festival in Richland, WA.

Hawkeye's experience has paid off. Even with today's cuts in arts funding, he says he is able to get teaching gigs with the help of blues societies around the world. He recognizes such societies for diligently pursuing corporate, government, and private grants to sponsor blues education.

Hawkeye adjusts each presentation to fit the age and ability of his students. He comes into each class not as an everyday teacher, but as a "stranger with a guitar." He says it's a special event for the students, and they tend to give him their undivided attention.

He keeps up with the latest education buzz words. "Cross curricular studies" is a good one. Hawkeye has been invited to use blues music and history to help teachers in English and literacy, history, geography, social studies, science, art, math, band and chorus. This makes students aware of the blues and its impact on history and culture. He also finds educators growing more aware how right-brain creative thinking and training can help in cross-curricular problem solving. They welcome artists to help out in this process.

Hawkeye takes a dim view of the "No child left behind" concept instituted in American schools in the last few years: "Due to this concept, we are teaching students how to pass tests, not how to study, learn, think creatively, problem solve, and be prepared for adult life," he says. "Students deserve diversity and alternatives in education, far beyond what is currently available to them. We should be providing students with the knowledge and skills that will give them abilities to create a bright future for themselves and everyone on the planet."

To Hawkeye, that includes the appreciation of American blues music and the life-lessons that blues can teach us today.

Michael "Hawkeye" Herman
www.HawkeyeHerman.com

Hawkeye Herman Interview.

Iowa acoustic blues guitarist Hawkeye Herman is interview in American Blues News (Click Here for interview) Not only is Hawkeye one of the great Iowa bluesmen, and Iowa Blues Hall of fame member, but he is also a great educator.  Hawkeye has been teaching the blues for years and you can learn more about him and why he teaches the blues by reading this fine interview.

Hawkeye Herman Update

9/15/09

The BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
Indianola, MS
http://www.bbkingmuseum.org

For immediate release:

Michael "Hawkeye" Herman brings his internationally acclaimed blues
teaching skills to the Mississippi Delta under the sponsorship of the BB King
Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, MS.

Friday, September 25th, 2009 - 10 AM
"History of the Blues"
Cassie Pennington Junior High School
701 East Chapman
Indianola, MS  38751
Parents are welcome!

Saturday, September 26th - 10 AM to 5 PM
"Teaching the Blues: Best Practices and Techniques"
Free all day seminar for musicians and teachers
AT&T/BB King Museum Learning Center
400 Second St.
Indianola, MS  38751
For more information and to register call:
C. Sade Turnipseed
Education and Community Outreach, Director
(662) 887-9539 ext. 222

Hawkeye has presented his popular, entertaining, and informative "Blues In
The Schools" programs for over 30 years, in 25 states, eight foreign
countries, in over 500 schools, all levels, from elementary schools to college
levels.

"One of America's finest acoustic guitarists and blues educators." -
Cascade Blues Association

"...an uncanny grasp of so many different Blues styles." - Holler, Colorado
Blues Society

"Each song is presented with a heartfelt depth rarely witnessed these days
amongst all the amplifiers and studio embellishments... Herman proves to be
a seasoned storyteller above all, as well as an accomplished guitarist." -
Blues Revue Magazine

"Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Muddy Waters were giants of the
genre he grew up listening to and who live on through the evocative, haunting
acoustic slide-guitar style he plays." - The Reporter, San Diego, CA

"...plays a powerful variety of hard-driving acoustic blues, a crowd
pleaser." - Mississippi Valley Blues News

"...a mean, clean guitar picker." - San Francisco Examiner

"The only thing better than hearing his recordings is seeing Hawkeye Herman
in the flesh. Whether adding his own spin to blues classics or offering his
own songs, Herman is a one-man history of blues, noteworthy guitar player
and inimitable communicator. Miss him at your peril." - Blues Access

For more information on Hawkeye "Blues in the Schools" programs please
visit:
http://www.hawkeyeherman.com/blues_in_the_schools.htm
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Hawkeye teaches blues to the band class at Schlagle High School, Kansas
City, KS

Central Iowa Blues Society Blues In Schools

Press release from CIBS

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: Blues in the Schools

Date: December 16-19, 2008

Starting Time: 12 Noon-2:30 PM daily

For Immediate Release.

The Central Iowa Blues Society is proud to announce their fourth installment of its Blues in the Schools, Artist in Residence Program. Iowa City Blues musician and Historian Kevin Burt will be exposing students to Blues history and music at the PACE Campus in Des Moines.

The program will run daily from Noon to 2:30 PM Tuesday through Friday December 16^th - 19^th,.

Each student will have the opportunity to learn to play and write music along with the history and culture of the Blues and its impact in Iowa.

For more information, please contact Lynette Webster at Lwebster@pork.org or 515-250-4198 or Herman Johnson hjohnson@orchardplace.org/ or 515 208-8972.

Joe Bonamassa In The Wall Street Journal

Ok, so it is just a part of the website of the Wall Street Journal, called Market Watch, but it still features Joe Bonamassa. Joe is quietly becoming on of the great blues guitarists. One of the reasons I think he has such a great fan base is his work with blues in schools, and workshops. One of which is the topic of the Market Watch webpage. (click here) Joe is appearing at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood. Yup, not sure how accredited they are as a place of higher learning, but if you want to play guitar professionally, why not:-) Of course most of us went to the school of hard knocks. Living in vans, playing for gas money, and begging for food:-) I think one of the greatest gigs that I ever had was with John Paul Drum, and Mark St. James. They had a band called lonesome and Dangerous. We played at a place called the Cajin Bistro in Kansas City every Tuesday night, that offered us free food, and whatever came through the door. Most nights we were lucky to get five bucks, but boy did we eat good that summer!

BluzKat Harmonica Jam Workshop and Taylor Hicks Exhibit

Just recieved this email from Jamie at BluzKat

Not sure if you are aware of this, but BluzKat will be holding "BluzKat's Harmonica Jam Workshop" to be held on May 10th from 10:00-12:00 at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame located in Tuscumbia, AL.

This workshop has 52 children already registared and will be learning to play "When The Saints Go Marching In" with several lead harmonica instructors from the Birmingham area. After the workshop, everyone in the museum will be invited into the banquet hall to see the kids perform their song along with the instructors in a jam session.

This project is part of the celebration of music and the inspiration of what Taylor has brought to us and to the children. BluzKat will also be celebrating his first birthday on that day and they will be cake and refreshments for all who attend.

There is also an official unveiling of Taylor Hicks's American Idol exhibit which takes place on the same day from 10:00-10:30 am.

Taylor has inspired our feline BluzKat to being an Ambassador of good music to kids of all ages.

You can visit our website at: www.bluzkat.com for more information about our event and our mission.

Thanks,

Jamie

Blues In Schools: Bobby Mercy Oliver

found a nice short article about a blues in school program going on in Paris Texas. Bobby Mercy Oliver is doing the blues in schools thanks to the Paris Texas Blues Society. To read the article in the Paris News, Click HERE. For more on Bobby Mercy Oliver Click HERE. For More on the Paris Texas Blues Society Click HERE.

Black History Month Stories About The Blues

The Cincinnati Enquirer, has a series of articles about the blues. I am not sure I buy into the death of the blues article that talks about youth and the blues. I know from experience that blues is in one of its currents ebbs, but that will soon change. I am not sure what will light the next blues fire, but it is due soon. To read the articles available from the Cincinnati Enquirer Click HERE.

Blues In Schools Updates

A couple of important Blues In Schools Shows from Illinois Blues. One is a Hawkeye Herman show in Peoria Illinois, the other is a fundraiser in Grafton Wisconsin. Remember to keep the blues alive make sure to attend or donate money to any blues in schools projects you come across, because it is the kids that keep the music alive!!!

Blues Society News

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Send your Blues Society's BIG news or Press Release to:

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River City Blues Society - Peoria, IL

MICHAEL “HAWKEYE” HERMAN BRINGS THE BLUES TO PEORIA, ILLINOIS! - Hawkeye Herman brings his award-winning Blues in the Schools program to Glen Oak Primary School on February 25th, followed by a public performance at the Waterhouse, 619 Water Street, Suite B, in Peoria, IL.

One of America’s finest acoustic guitarists and music educators will bring the blues to Glen Oak Primary School on Monday, February 25, 2008, followed by a public performance at the Waterhouse to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. Nationally-acclaimed blues musician Michael “Hawkeye” Herman has over 40 years of performance experience. As a music educator, Hawkeye has taken his love of blues music to students of all ages, from pre-school to university campuses, through his award-winning Blues in the Schools program, which he initiated in 1980.

On the morning of February 25th, Hawkeye will perform a one-hour concert for the children at Glen Oak Primary School in an assembly format. He will introduce students to the roots of American blues music and the influence it has had on contemporary music and popular culture. He will then spend the afternoon at the school providing kindergarten through third-grade students with a “hands-on” experience: making and playing their own instruments.

"My mission is to let young folks know that the blues is an important aspect of American music history, influencing other styles of music in the past, right up to the present," Hawkeye states. "Blues is the real deal, the story of the human experience, and that will always hold a place in the hearts and minds of the people. I'm trying to ensure, through my educational programs and workshops, that future generations are aware of their own rich musical heritage.”

At 7:00 pm that evening, Hawkeye will showcase his dynamic performance style at the Waterhouse, located at 619 Water Street, Suite B, in Peoria. This event is open to the public and kicks off at 6:00 pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Minimum donation for the evening concert is $10.00, with all proceeds to be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. Hawkeye has also agreed to donate one-third of the sales of his merchandise to the Boys and Girls Clubs.

These events are sponsored by The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Howard and Howard Attorneys, P.C., and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. For more information on Michael “Hawkeye” Herman, visit www.hawkeyeherman.com .

NOTE: The media is invited to attend the performance at Glen Oak School.

For more information: Janice Parker(309) 676.2941 janice@cidmce.org or Eric Pilat (309) 633.7883 epilat@cefcu.com

The Grafton Blues Association - Grafton, WI

The Grafton Blues Association will host it’s annual Blues in the Schools and Scholarship fundraiser with the Legends of Chicago Blues!
Pinetop Perkins - Hubert Sumlin – Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Bob Stroger will take the stage on March 29, 2008 at Circle B Recreation Center in Cedarburg Wisconsin. More information is available on our website www.graftonblues.org

Fruteland Jackson

Just received this from Illinois blues. Fruteland is doing blues in schools in the Quadcities, and will perform in Bettendorf and Davenport Iowa.

Blues Society News

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Mississippi Valley Blues Society - Davenport, IA

Blues Artist Fruteland Jackson to Perform and Teach - Award-winning blues educator Fruteland Jackson will be in Quad-Cities schools and colleges the week of February 4-8 for a Blues in the Schools residency sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society .

Fruteland will also present two open-to-the-public free performances: Tuesday, Feb. 5—Bettendorf Library, 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 6—Mojo’s at the River Music Experience in Davenport, 7 p.m.

“Fruteland Jackson is a rare blues talent, and we’re lucky to be able to host him again,” says Ann Ring, chair of the MVBS Education Committee. “He’s one of our most-requested artists-in-residence, so we know area teachers and kids are looking forward to his visit.”

Fernando Jones Blues In Schools

Fernando Jones has a great blues in schools program, and has been recognized by the Blues Foundation as a Keeping The Blues Alive winner. To read about his great program Click HERE. To check out his website Click HERE.

Fruitland Jackson BITS

Nice article in the Monroe Times,in Monroe Wisconsin, about Fruitland Jackson and his blues in schools program. Read about it HERE.

Joe Bonamassa Blues In Schools

Joe Bonamassa who was a child prodigy in the blues, continues to help out kids with his blues in schools program. I have posted about Joe and his program HERE and HERE

Click here for another great article about Joe and his blues in schools program. This time reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette.
I think one of the best ways to keep the blues alive is having great blues artists like Joe going into the school so the kids can hear the music. I have found that administrators, teachers, and students love the blues. I think there has always been the misconception that the music is sad, but when people hear all the variety of blues it changes their mind about the music, and they realize that the blues really can chase the blues away.

Bill Wyman Blues In Schools In Scotland

From the BBC, an article about Bill Wyman who is bringing his photograph collection to schools in Scotland. Wyman who formally played with the Rolling Stones, has a photo display going on at a theater in Scotland, is also doing a blues in schools for some very lucky children in the area. To read about it Click HERE.

Honey Boy Edwards: Blues In Schools

A nice blues in schools article from Gazette.net, It features Honeyboy Edwards who played a blues in schools show at Georgetown Prep school in Maryland. What is amazing about Honeyboy, is that he is still doing 100 shows a year at the age of 92! Click here to read more.

Joe Bonamassa BITS

Another cool article about Blues in the Schools. This time it is an interview with Bluesman Joe Bonamassa, who was a child prodigy himself. For the complete article from the Round Up, a student publication of New Mexico State Click HERE.

Willie King: Blues in Schools

Willie King is one of those old time blues guys, who is still out there doing his thing. King is doing a blues in schools program, with the Alabama Blues Project. All About Jazz website has all the details about the project and the legendary Willie King. Click here for more details.

Blue Shoe Project

The Blue Shoe Project is a great Blues in Schools outfit that brings some great blues players to schools. Honey Boy Edwards participated in a few of them recently. Here is an article from Pegasus News about the latest Blues Shoe Project in Texas.

Blues In Schools Canada Style!

Another nice article about blues in schools (BITS). The Daily Gleaner from Canada, has an article about Rev Robert Jones and his program of presenting the blues to kids. I can certainly attest to kids love of the blues. My students at the elementary school even wrote their own blues song. ABC Blues!! In fact, it is one of their favorite songs. To read more about the Rev Robert Jones, and BITS Click HERE.

Blues In Schools

A nice story from the Missourian, in Columbia Missouri about a blues in schools class taught by T J Wheeler. What is cool about the story is how the students are learning about the blues before he gets there, and even using skills that they have already learned to help them understand the blues. Here is a cool quote from the story:

Wheeler’s residency has not yet begun but his influence is already being felt at the school. Sisson’s classes, for example, have been learning a bit of blues history: that the blues rose out of a practice known as the “field holler” in which slaves on plantations would follow a call-and-response pattern of singing about religion, suffering and, more veiled, escaping.

Sisson said that because she is a traveling teacher without a room of her own, she lacks a piano and relies on a similar technique. “We echo-learn our songs all the time,” she said, “so we learn our songs much like the blues developed.”

“Grant teachers are excited about this opportunity and are talking about blues in their classrooms,” Borduin said.

I can relate to being a traveling teacher, and just think about trying to teach music without a piano! YIKES! I would think that she has the blues just trying to teach kids to sing without a keyboard!

I think these kids are going to have a great time, and it is good for the blues, that the kids hear it at an early age, and know what it is. They are more likely to keep listening to it as they get older. I have had a couple of kids that I taught 14 years ago who are in college who have emailed me to tell me they still like the blues. So it really does work, and it is fun to do!!

To read the article Click HERE.