Kids, Do you have the Blues?
Deborah Jeter

If you have the blues, then don't fret! You can turn those blues into music and have a great time doing it. Music is a perfect way to express yourself, your feelings and emotions, into a song or a dance. Let's take a look at some things on the Internet to get those creative juices flowing. Just because school has started for some of you, and soon to start for others, doesn't mean the fun has to end. It's just beginning! You can ask your teachers to help you form your thoughts or how to play an instrument to get you started. Gather some ideas right here, then put those ideas into your very own song.

Did you know that there are fun music sites that let you play a virtual instrument, right here on your computer? WoW! This is going to be great. Take a look at these links and tell me which ones are your favorites, in the discussion area below this article. I'd love to hear from you.

<a href="http://www.blues4kids.com/">Blues 4 Kids</a> is dedicated to creating, developing, and presenting blues learning modules by utilizing integrative techniques and employing all the methods by which children learn. 

<a href="http://members.aol.com/mathewsrfp/index.html">Rainbow Frog Productions</a> has some helpful information for those aspirng guitarists. However, if you don't have a guitar yet, you can still play one on <a href="http://members.aol.com/mathewsrfp/guitar.html">Ted's Virtual Guitar Page</a>! This requires a java capable browser, and it's a great site for some interactive fun on a virtual guitar.

If you liked Ted's Java Guitar, then you'll LOVE this next site. <a href="http://www.animusic.com">Animusic.com</a> is TOO MUCH fun! This site rocks hard. Don't miss it.

<sneak preview my animusic at youtube>

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The folks at this next site say, <a href="http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/6307/blueskds.html">"Blues is the Way to start each and everyday!</a> (this doesn't mean to feel blue - It means to enjoy singing, playing, writing and listening to the blues). Singer "YO" Baby really stirs your soul when he sings "Those Dirty Diaper Blues" and also "Playin' with My Food Again Blues".


<a href="http://www.suite101.com/articles.cfm/kids">Check out Websites for kids!</a>

Other Links of Interest(this section is mostly for the grown-ups)

<a href="http://www.sonoma.edu/users/s/swijtink/teaching/philosophy_101/resources.htm">Critical Thinking Skills</a>

<a href="http://www.inspiration.com/">Inspiration</a>

<a href="http://www.brooklynfriends.org/program/index.html">Brooklyn Friends</a> has a wonderful section displaying some of their students' work.

<a href="http://www.4shelties.com/banjos/">Learning to play the banjo</a> is a sure way to rid yourself of those blues!

A Fun Link to Try

Play the Accordion and there are lots of instruments that you can play on the internet, look at and learn about. This might be a great spot to go if you are wanting to learn an instrument, but aren't quite sure which one.

Whatever you do, kids, use your creative energy. There is no one else in the world like you! You can create something very special, because YOU are special. Remember that.