The Alabama Blues Project is searching for teen vocalists to join its award-winning Advanced Band. The opportunity is open to middle and highschool students. Members of the Advanced Band receive intensive professional instruction and routinely perform at community events. The band practices together weekly during afterschool camps. Interested candidates should contact the Alabama Blues Project by calling Executive Director Paula Demonbreun at 205-752-6263 or emailing paula@alabamablues.org. For more information about the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, please visit www.alabamablues.org.
The Alabama Blues Project is a nonprofit organization in Northport, Ala., committed to preserving and raising awareness about blues music in Alabama. The ABP offers blues education through in-school, summer and afterschool programs.
The Advanced Band
Music students who display a high level of dedication and improvement may be asked to participate in the Alabama Blues Project’s Advanced Band. These young musicians will receive a more intensive learning experience, having the opportunity to rehearse each week as a structured band. While honing their music skills and working together, they also learn to recognize and play a variety of Blues styles and sometimes write original songs. The first Advanced Band was formed in 2005 and as members graduate from high school and leave the band, the legacy continues with new young musicians each year. The band has performed at Cityfest, Kentuck Art Festival, Magic City Blues Festival and Market Street Festival and the Bama Theatre. The band has put on a live show for Alabama Public Television, and met with Bonnie Raitt when she played Tuscaloosa.
In 2006, The Advanced Band performed in Memphis as the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” award ceremony and the group recorded a CD before many of the original Advanced Band members graduated from high school in 2007. The Alabama Blues Project’s Advanced Bands have had the opportunity to share the stage with many Blues greats, including Tinsley Ellis, Willie King, Sam Lay, Dr. G.B. Burt, Eddie Kirkland, Bobby Rush, Bettie Mae Fikes and Carroline Shines. The Alabama Blues Project’s Advanced Band is a wonderful opportunity for up-and-coming musicians.
