The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest launched their new 'Be in the Band' initiative in January of 2009, in conjuction with the Ottawa Folklore Centre. This three-month pilot project put young musicians (ages 12 to 17) who wanted to be in a band together with other potential band-mates. The Ottawa Bluesfest organization recruited a number of professional local musicians for mentoring the aspiring future stars and provided all the necessary tech support and equipment for the kids to truly enjoy a high-quality ensemble experience.

To initiate the program, Bluesfest—in partnership with the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group and the Folklore Centre—created a band room and rehearsal space at the Tennis Club adjacent to the Glebe Community Centre. The room included a drum kit, a keyboard, guitar amps and a sound system.

The pilot project went so well that the initiative was extended to St. Paul High School throughout April and May, and to the Michele Heights Community Centre in September of 2009.

“The idea is to offer this program to students who currently sing or play an instrument and have an interest in working with others to create music,” says Bluesfest’s executive director, Mark Monahan. “The ultimate goal is a possible performance for families, friends, and future fans on-stage at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest.”

Ottawa Bluesfest Be in the Band Alert

What: Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest Musical Instrument Drive

When: Monday, December 7 through Friday, December 18

Where: Instruments can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at Ottawa Bluesfest HQ, 265 Catherine Street (2nd floor of the Ottawa Greyhound bus station); or at Compact Music Store(s) 190 Bank Street; or 7851/2 Bank Street, during business hours.

Why: To join the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organization in sharing the joy of music!

Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest calls on community to donate used instruments for children in need

Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest has been running a new program called ‘Be in the Band’. This program mentors young people who have an interest in music. The Ottawa Bluesfest organization is expanding this program to include at-risk youth in various communities such as Michele Heights, Lowertown, and Russell Heights. To support this initiative, the Ottawa Bluesfest organization is in desperate need of instruments to be used by participating students.

“We’re calling on the community to donate instruments,” says Bluesfest’s executive director, Mark Monahan. “Many people have instruments at home that they’re not using. We’re hoping people will want to donate those instruments to a very worthy cause.” Ottawa residents are encouraged to drop off their out-of-use instruments at the locations mentioned above.

Check out the web page: http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/en/index.php?page=be-in-band

Community Contact:
Andre (AJ) Sauve
Director of Communications and Community Relations
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest (613) 247-1188 ext. 229
ajsauve@ottawabluesfest.ca