Programs
Bluegrass In The Schools
Bluegrass in the Schools (BITS) fosters the growth of a new generation of bluegrass musicians. With every banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle put in a young person's hands, a direct, tangible link is forged between the student and his/her vibrant cultural heritage. Since 2003 the International Bluegrass Music Museum has introduced more than 42,000 students to bluegrass music through eight days of hands-on instrument instruction and school assembly programs showcasing superb bluegrass bands -- annually, per school. In February 2006, the museum performed its new musical, "The Story of Bluegrass," written and performed by museum staff, in 22 regional elementary schools. In February 2007, the museum produced another original musical titled "Music in Motion" which chronicles the progression of folk dance and music from various world cultures that coalesced in what we know today as bluegrass and clogging.
Additionally, 219 people of all ages take part in our Kentucky Bluegrass AllStars program. This program outfits every student with their own instrument and provides group lessons by professional bluegrass instructors at the museum every other Saturday from the Fall through ROMP, the museum's annual bluegrass mega-festival in June. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by on a Saturday and see all this energy and excitement for yourself! And if you'd like to learn how to play bluegrass music, sign up in September for the next series.
If you have questions, or would like to sign up your school for a bluegrass music performance, email BITS Coordinator Randy Lanham.
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