Learn about visual and performing artists. They often use their creativity to raise their voices and share lessons, stories, and important ideas with the world. In this episode of The Creative Corner, two artists from Richmond, Virginia help us explore how art sparks crucial conversations. Public artist Hamilton Glass shares how (and why) he gathered a group of artists to paint murals with a message all across the city after some challenging current events, and musician Victor Haskins talks about storytelling as human nature — and why sound and performance tell stories so well. Then you’re invited to share your own voice through a poster project!

In this lesson, students will perform a 12-bar blues progression, improvise using a simple blues scale and create an original blues piece with lyrics in an AAB form. Students will discuss the background and history of where the blues originated, its early performers and the progression from blues to early forms of rock music.

Students will explore the blues by listening and describing a blues piece, learning about the history of the blues, analyzing form, and collaborating to write lyrics utilizing blues lyric form.