Music carries a positive message to kids

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| Sunday, April 3, 2005 11:05 PM CDT | () comments

GUEST COLUMN: David Bertson

Life is good for me today primarily because I get to do what I love. As a parent, blues musician, and prevention educator, I appreciate the importance of helping young people find their way in life. Over the past 20 years, I have had face time with over 50,000 young people in almost every imaginable setting: schools, libraries, music festivals, drug rehab centers, jails, churches and museums. I have delivered the message of a healthy lifestyle to these kids, and I've used the blues to do it.

Kids today are basically the same as they were when I was growing up in Galesburg watching Captain Ernie, Jungle Jay and Dr. Igor on TV. The difference between today and the "good old days" is that our world now moves much faster and kids are required to process information at an exponentially higher rate of speed.

In order for me to reach young people with messages today, I have to be just as stimulating as the latest video or computer game. For my presentations, I blend elements of blues music with history and cultural diversity, using music, videos, Powerpoint, humor and sometimes even the outlandish, attention-grabbing promise of free Cadillacs! Reaching young people today requires a quick connection that proves I care about them, that I'm cool and that I have something that is valuable to them. I've discovered that connecting with kids, using the mix of arts and practical information about life is effective, as well as being fun. Without the fun element, the connection quickly disappears. Too soon, we are back to the "sit and git" model of education, which moves much too slowly for today's kids.

My educational philosophy incorporates the concept of multi-causality. Quickly stated, we are who we are because of many causes. Parental influence, peer influence, media influence, religious influence, and other activities such as sports, Scouts or band all have an effect on the lives of young people. Each of us assigns importance to the influence we feel is the most meaningful to us. In my youth, it was hearing Howlin' Wolf on the radio, receiving a harmonica as a gift, listening to my grandfather play harmonica, teenage angst, attention from girls and meeting friends who enjoyed blues music that led me to the decision to learn to play the harmonica well.

There is no doubt as to the importance of arts education. Current research indicates a strong correlation between arts education and better academic performance. Perhaps someday, the same conclusions can be drawn between arts education and positive character development. The sad fact is, that in many communities, the funding of arts programs is often the first cut made when the economy takes a downturn. This can leave a huge education gap that needs to be filled. These communities are often the most impoverished in our country. Filling the gap is often left to community organizations and

non-profits.

The Quad-Cities is fortunate to have the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, which keeps its promise of educating young people about blues music. I am delighted to have been asked to present my blues educational curriculum in April. Please check out the schedule and try to attend one of the many events during my week long residency. Also, check out the schedule for free chicken dinners and the new Cadillac give-aways at each presentation.

Have I connected yet? See you there.

David Bertson is the Mississippi Valley Blues Society visiting artist in April.

David Bertson will hold these free public performances:

n 7 p.m., April 6, River Music Experience, 131 West 2nd

    St., Davenport.

n 6 p.m., April 8, Family Museum of Arts & Sciences, 2900

    Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf

n 10 a.m., April 9, Kids Dayz, The River Music Experience.

n 2 p.m., April 9, Barnes & Noble, North Park Mall,

    Davenport.