Education Programs

Women of Blues and Jazz

Barbara MartinBessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, the women of blues and jazz have played an important and often unrecognized role in American music.  This entertaining and educational program gives audiences insight into the lives, times and musical influences of American women blues artists from the 1920's through the '50's. Interspersed with anecdotes from the fascinating and colorful lives of these women are performances of the songs most representing their musical styles at different points in their careers.  This program is especially suited for March, Women’s History Month and high school, college or adult audiences.

Family Concerts and Children’s Programs
From Ragtime to Rock and Roll
1st - 8th grade
Family concert

"From Ragtime to Rock and Roll" explores the American musical journey from the infectious rhythms brought over by the enslaved Africans that were incorporated into spirituals, gospel, blues and jazz to the European folk music brought by Irish, English and Scottish immigrants that was incorporated into bluegrass and old time music and the combination of both of these cultures into popular American rock and country music. Children participate by singing traditional American songs and clapping the distinctive rhythms that form the basis for blues, swing, country and rock.

"From Ragtime to Rock and Roll": Matilda/Iko, Iko/Not Fade Away

Workshops and Residencies:

Making Music
Kindergarten - 6th
Basic elements of music:  rhythm, melody, harmony and lyrics are explored through clapping, singing along and playing games.  This is a fun and entertaining workshop that also teaches math and verbal skills as well as musical and creative skills.

Songwriting Workshop
4th - 12th
Songwriting is a very individual process, but knowing a few helpful techniques can help a writer over the humps. Techniques for finding creative imagery and rhymes, writing interesting, ear-catching titles and hooks and editing and rewriting will be explored. Vocalists, instrumentalists and lyricists can all benefit from this workshop.  Teamwork is encouraged through students working in groups combining their individual talents to create a song.  Workshop attendees will be offered the opportunity to play a live or recorded version of an original song and receive feedback from Barbara and the group.

Blues and Jazz  Workshop
6th - 12th
This hands on workshop is excellent for chorus and band or anyone wishing to learn more about blues, swing, Latin and jazz. The workshop covers the triplet feel including, swing and shuffle rhythms, Latin rhythms, syncopation.  Blue notes and improvisational skills are also explored.

Guitar/Beginning:
Barbara has taught guitar privately, at the middle school and high school level at Stuart Hall, Staunton, VA, and at the college level at Mary Baldwin College, Staunton and Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA.  Her workshops can be geared to suit the needs of the students and for the beginner focus on tuning, learning the notes on the guitar, chords and strumming and finger picking patterns.

Guitar/Advanced:
Guitarist extraordinaire and guitar instructor for over 20 years, Mac Walter, shares the knowledge he has gleaned over 30 years of playing professionally and studying with guitar greats. The workshop can be offered for advanced players or can be combined with beginning players with Barbara assisting.

Barbara MartinVocal Workshop:
6th through 12th
College and adult

Contrary to popular opinion people aren’t born with great voices.  They develop them by singing and learning simple techniques that strengthen the voice.  Everyone has their own style and a place where their voice sings best.  Barbara teaches singers how to sing with ease through breathing and relaxation techniques.  If desired, the workshop can also cover how to have fun and be creative with improvisation and adding swing and syncopation for a jazz feel.

Residencies
4th - 12th
A one day to 2 week residency can be designed using the workshops and programs described above.  The residency would include a teacher in-service, working with one or several core groups of students and a public performance with those students. 

Barbara had great audience participation.  She is a very talented performer.  She was able to tell a story of great interest and fact, and did it in a way that all grade levels could understand.”
Sumner Academy, Gallatin, TN

“By encouraging audience participation, the level of excitement and fun made for these children what was possibly the most enjoyable history lesson of their school year.”
Martha Mehler, Rockbridge Regional Library, Lexington, VA

“The children and the adults enjoyed the spirited rendition of old and new favorites and I especially liked the history that was woven effortlessly into the musical part of the program.  I know the children enjoyed the audience participation in the rhythm and the question and answer parts of the program.”
Cheryl Evans, Baltimore County Public Library

“Wednesday’s program wasn’t simply an entertaining history lesson.  It was also participatory, with children singing, stomping and clapping their hands along to the music.”
Shell Noble, The Winchester Star

Barbara was the Virginia Commission for the Arts Artist-in-Residence, Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon, VA 2000-2001

Funding available through Virginia Commission for the Arts Artist in Education Residency Grants or Maryland State Arts Council.