Boise, Idaho – The Boise Blues Society (BBS) announced today that it donated several musical instruments to the Boise School District. The donation included 2 trumpets, 2 cornets, 2 trombones, 1 oboe, 1 flute, 1 euphonium, 6 clarinets, 1 tenor saxophone, 1 Peavey bass amp, 1 Fender electric guitar, 1 keyboard stand and 1 autoharp.
“Since the outset of the COVID pandemic, the Boise Blues Society’s in-class “Blues In The Schools” program has been extremely reduced,” said Ken Harris, Vice President of the Boise Blues Society, “so the BBS Board of Directors decided to expand the “Blues In The Schools” program to include acquiring musical instruments and equipment from supportive community members for donation to Boise School District music programs.”
“It’s a real testament to the generosity and commitment to music education that’s shared by our members,” said Harris
“We’re very excited about getting the instruments from the Blues Society,” said Benjamin Simmonds, Supervisor of Music and Art for the Boise School District. “They’ll be put to good use across the district. Thank you very much Boise Blues Society!”
About the Boise Blues Society: The Boise Blues Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, brings the blues in all its forms to fans of all ages throughout the Treasure Valley. Founded in 1992, The BBS uses the American art form of blues music to develop our youth, build our community, and strengthen our economy.
As part of our mission to “promote and preserve blues music” the BBS recruits local blues musicians to teach an “Introduction to Blues Music” program entitled “Blues in the Schools” (B.I.T.S.). This program is part of our outreach efforts and is provided at no cost to the schools that participate. Over the years, the Boise Blues Society has conducted Blues in the Schools programs in Boise, Meridian, Idaho City and Mountain Home.
The Boise Blues Society also produces over 40 blues concerts in the valley that feature both local and national touring acts. This includes monthly “Blues Jam Sessions” for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
As part of our local outreach and charitable efforts, the BBS established the Riverside Hotel and Boise Blues Society Scholarship Fund at the Boise State University Foundation. In partnership with the Riverside Hotel, we donate $7000 a year for music scholarships at the university. The BBS also provides individual $500 scholarships to young musicians in the area that are actively playing blues music.
For more information, contact the BBS at 208-440-4590, email [email protected] or go to www.boiseblues.org. Anyone wishing to donate unwanted/unneeded musical instruments and equipment, especially horn and band instruments, please contact Ken Harris at [email protected]. If you would like to be able to take a tax donation you can donate them officially to the Boise Blue Society and a form will be provided