A Brief History

The Roots N Blues Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, positively impacts the lives of children by celebrating the rich cultural heritage of American music through local educational programs. The Roots N Blues Foundation has brought joy and music education to thousands of children by providing the Blues in the Schools program. Students have the opportunity to write and perform with award-winning guest musicians and internationally recognized music educators in their classrooms.

Starting in 2007 with just one elementary school, BITS has expanded to every elementary school in Columbia. BITS does so much more than celebrate music–it incorporates the visual arts, history, literature, and social studies into a celebration.

The arts are not just a nice thing to have or do if there is free time or if one can afford it… Paintings and poetry, music and design… they all define who we are as a people.

– Former First Lady, Michelle Obama

Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.

– Gerald Ford, former President, United States of America

First, the arts significantly boost student achievement, reduce discipline problems, and increase the odds that students will go on to graduate from college. Second, arts education is essential to stimulating the creativity and innovation that will prove critical to young Americans competing in a global economy. And last, but not least, the arts are valuable for their own sake, and they empower students to create and appreciate aesthetic works.

– The Well-Rounded Curriculum, Secretary Arne Duncan’s Remarks at the Arts Education Partnership National Forum, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC, April 9, 2010

Our Mission

The Roots N Blues Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, positively impacts the lives of children by celebrating the rich cultural heritage of American music through local educational programs.

The Program

The Roots N Blues Foundation has brought joy and music education to thousands of children by providing the Blues in the Schools program. Students have the opportunity to write and perform with award-winning guest musicians and internationally recognized music educators in their classrooms. Programs range from assembly only to a week-long residence. Students learn about the blues and American blues history, traditions, diversity, culture, and influential blues legends through hands on experience.

Our Guiding Principles & Values

Volunteers who care deeply about our mission.

Creative education that teaches harmony, diversity, and compassion.

Sharing the talents of children with the public.

Other organizations that support musicians, artists, educators, and children.

Artists who bring these values to life.

A comprehensive educational experience that includes music and art.

Sponsors and benefactors who support our work.

Enriching the cultural life of our community.