BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS

(BITS)

FIND YOUR VOICE. TELL YOUR STORY.

Think back to the first teacher who believed in you.
The first spark that made learning feel exciting.
The moment you discovered your own voice.

That’s what Blues in the Schools (BITS) creates for students every day.

Since 2005, the Sacramento Blues Society’s BITS program has served more than 57,000 students. Our nationally recognized work earned the prestigious The Blues Foundation “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award in 2015.

We partner with classroom teachers, professional musician-educators (58% are professionals of color), and community organizations including the Sofia and B Street Theater, Crocker Art Museum and California Stage to:

• Foster cultural understanding
• Address economic disparity
• Build creative confidence
• Strengthen community connection

BITS serves students across Oak Park, Midtown, Del Paso Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Hagginwood, West Sacramento, Woodland, Folsom, and beyond. We also reach youth who need support most, including those at Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home, WIND Youth Center, and Sacramento Juvenile Hall.

WHAT STUDENTS EXPERIENCE

🎵 School Assemblies (K–8)

High-energy, interactive presentations led by professional blues musicians. Students learn the roots of Blues, African American history, rhythm, songwriting, and how music connects to math, geography, sociology, and language arts.

Our efforts have been supported by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through the Any Given Child initiative in coordination with the Sacramento County Office of Education.

Mentors and supporters have included nationally known artists such as Jackie Greene, Tommy Castro, Joe Bonamassa and many respected local professionals dedicated to youth mentorship.

🎸 8-Week After-School Artist Program

An intensive program where students:

• Write original songs
• Form bands
• Practice discipline and teamwork
• Develop leadership skills
• Build self-confidence

The program culminates each year at our Student Showcase held on the first Thursday in May during the regional Day of Giving celebration. Students perform for families, teachers, musicians, and the community.



BITS leverages grants and donor support to keep these programs accessible.

WHY IT MATTERS

Social Impact

BITS builds:

• Creative expression
• Emotional intelligence
• Empathy
• Confidence
• Cultural understanding

The Blues teach resilience. Born from hardship, it shows students how to transform struggle into strength.

As blues songwriter Willie Dixon said,
“The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits.”

Economic Impact

In just four years, BITS has hired 300+ professional regional musicians, many teaching in Title 1 schools.

Our fundraising concerts and showcases bring families, teachers, and music lovers together, generating revenue for local venues, restaurants, and neighborhood businesses. Studies show that for every $1 invested in the arts, up to $12 circulates back into the community.

​Who We Serve:

• 57,000+ students since 2005
• 49 Greater Sacramento-area zip codes
• Majority Title 1 schools
• 68% of students from low-income families
• 4,000+ female students empowered
• Programs at Rosemont, West Campus High School, Cal Middle School and more
• Presentations at youth shelters and juvenile facilities

Most importantly, we change lives.

One student shared:

“You made me want to live again… I felt so sad after my mom died. Your music made me feel normal. I forgot for a while and felt like dancing and singing.”



That’s why BITS exists.

HELP A STUDENT FIND THEIR VOICE

Your support keeps Blues in the Schools accessible to students who need it most.

Donate. Sponsor. Volunteer. Share.

We welcome:

• Financial contributions
• Instrument and equipment donations

Blues in the Schools Supporters & Sponsors

​In Person and Online

​Out Of The Box Community Music Festival