Endorsement for Blues in the Schools

June 12, 2009

To whom it may concern,

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools and Mr. James Curly Cooke. Recently, Mr. Cooke and his staff conducted a 12-session program at the Secondary Academy for Success' junior high alternative school in Bothell, Washington. The 7th and 8th graders that participated learned so much about music and themselves and really grew as people. The culminating concert, performed for the high school, district personnel and parents, was a testimonial to what music can do for kids' self esteem and self respect. The kids really stepped up and performed wonderfully.

Mr. Cooke, along with Ms. Annette Taborn and Mr. Al Rowe are a dynamic team of musicians that can take students with no instrumental or singing experience and, in a matter of mere weeks, have them on stage performing numerous blues songs. Its truly a miracle that they can un-tap talent hiding deep inside the students and bring that talent to light.

As assistant principal charged with overseeing SAS's music program I am appreciative of PNBIS' professionalism and results. I checked in often and observed kids learning basic guitar and bass riffs, singers learning how to attack the words of a song, and how it all comes together. Admittedly, working with alternative junior high students is a challenge, and we all had some doubts going into the culminating concert, but the kids rose to the occasion and pulled off a great concert. Their success was a combination of Mr. Cooke, Ms. Taborn and Mr. Rowe's talent and determination and their ability to build confidence in our kids that they could do it…they could be Blues musicians and they were!

It is without hesitation that SAS wants PNBIS back again for next school year. They have become an important part of our program and our ability to reach difficult students. Having music at SAS has become part of our culture.

A big thank you to PNBIS and hopes for their continued success in working with kids.

Sincerely,

Tony Olney
Assistant Principal - Secondary Academy for Success
Bothell, WA

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The Louis Braille School
Dear Curley,

Thank you so much for the excellent program you gave us. Everyone, children and adults, thoroughly enjoyed you and your music. You are outstanding with kids and adults; you have no reason to be nervous about it. Your personality and artistry glowed, and we all love it. We look forward to the next time. The link is to a blog posted by one of the Chamber of Commerce members who attended.
http://edmonds.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2008/07/24/the-louis-braille-school/

Carolyn

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Dear Curley and Annette,

Thank you so much for the time you spend in my special needs classroom this spring. Your program was the highlight of my student's year. Many of the staff and students in the school said that the performance was "the best assembly ever" and staff mentioned that you should take the kids on tour! I saw such an increase in their self esteem in the classroom and within peer interactions. One of the students said, "I feel like a rock star!"

This opportunity was especially meaningful for us as we have seen a decrease in funds for the arts in our schools. This was such an amazing opportunity and we can't wait to work with you again.

Sincerely,
Special Ed Teacher
Seattle Public Schools

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The Blues Can Make You Happy

February 13th, 2008 by Janie Kimber

Curley Cooke and Annette Taborn of Blues in the Schools returned to the Louis Braille School for a rousing, interactive performance. Curley sang and played his guitar. Annette backed him up with vocals and her blues-harmonica.

Joining Louis Braille School students for the performance was Ms.Hogue’s second-grade class from Maplewood Elementary School in Edmonds

Curley talked to the children about harmony. He asked the students what harmony meant to them, and they gave answers such as “not fighting, living in peace, and getting along.” Curley then related these fine definitions of harmony to music. He played the guitar and, using the strings, gave samples of both harmonious and dissonant sounds.

Curley and Annette also taught what they called “call and response.” This is where Annette would sing and the children would then sing back the same words. One song the children particularly enjoyed was “Moon Don’t Go.”

The children enjoyed learning that they, too, could easily write blues songs. Curley explained that song writing is easy for almost anyone and encouraged them make up words while he played his guitar.

The foot-stamping, clapping, rousing performance ended with a request from the audience for “Hound Dog,” a song made popular in the 1950s by Elvis Presley. That brought the house down!!

Truly it was a day for all to remember. The blues can make you happy.

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State of Washington Department of Corrections Washington Corrections Center for Women MS: WP-04 9601 Bujacich Rd. N.W. ~ Gig Harbor, WA 98332 January 17, 2008 Mr. James Cooke Shoreline, WA 98177 Dear Mr. Cooke, I would like to express my appreciation to you and your staff for all the time and hard work put forth to bring to our facility "Blues in the Schools." These events have been very successful. The offenders who have participated in your previous programs praise the way your music has helped them build confidence, teamwork and most importantly, self esteem. "Blues in the Schools" is not only educational, but inspirational. This style of programming is difficult to find, and to have you and your staff bring it to WCCW and present it in such a caring and enjoyable is rare indeed. We ask that you please consider future programs at our facility. Again, on behalf of all WCCW Staff, we thank you and the fine people on your staff for all the wonderful things you have done. Sincerely, Douglas O. Cole Superintendent

To:  Curley Cooke
From:  Holly Call, Principal SAS

The Blues in the Schools program has transformed the Secondary Academy for Success. Partnering exceptional, charismatic student-centered Professional musicians with our alternative high school and junior high students has unleashed a hidden reserve of artistic talent, creativity and personal confidence. Students that hid behind a black hood and would not speak in class are belting out the Blues, at the microphone, to a full house of peers, parents and community. Students who only dreamed of playing guitar, drums or harmonica are presenting an hour concert after 15 two-hour sessions with Curley Cook and his team.

Work ethic, a desire to excel, confidence and commitment have been elevated to new heights. The program integrates history, English and poetry into the experience. Over half our student body has participated in this remarkable experience and the momentum and interest continues to grow. SAS has a new Mojo because of Curley Cook and the captivating Blues in the Schools program.

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Thank You All for a Successful 2006 Auction!

On behalf of Pacific Northwest Blues in Schools, we thank you for the support of the 1st Annual Gala Benefit Auction. Together we raised 40K! The money we raised will allow us to grow our programs to schools, as well as reach out to the community center and institutions. Your support of our Benefit Auction will allow us to continue to provide alternative activities for the youth of the Northwest.

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