We've been studying the 12-bar blues progression for the past couple of weeks, learning how to play it on the guitar and learning how to program GarageBand to play it as well using bass, rhythm and lead guitar, and drum set.  Each student in Music Tech has crafted their own 12-bar blues band in GarageBand, each in their own unique musical style: disco, big-hair  80's rock, country, new age space music, etc.  It's been really fun to hear all the different blues progressions in all the unique styles!

But the Blues have such a unique style all their own that we needed to go back and do some intense listening to what makes the Blues "The Blues".  Each student is currently working on a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation on one of 13 radio shows that were originally aired in 2003 during the Year of the Blues by PRI, Public Radio International.  

Their assignment? Listen to the hour-long radio show, determine the main point of the show, and develop a PowerPoint presentation to help teach the rest of their class what that radio spot was all about, complete with pictures and music and possibly video.

Episode 1: "The Birth of the Blues"

Episode 2: "Goin' Up the Country"

Episode 3: "Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do"

Episode 4: "Standin' at the Crossroads"

Episode 5: "Mystery Train"

Episode 6: "Sweet Home Chicago"

Episode 7: "Key to the Highway"

Episode 8: "Blues Power"

Episode 9 "Bring It on Home"

Episode 10: "Gimme Back My Wig"

Episode 11: "Texas Flood"

Episode 12: "When Love Comes to Town"

Episode 13: "Future Blues"