Educational Services

PROGRAM NARRATIVE:

"The Universal Language Music History & Cultural Program" was developed for the purpose of creating a greater awareness and understanding of humanity through music. Universal Language in this context defines music as a method of communication understood by all Nations, Tongues and Peoples without the use of verbal and written skills.

The Theme and Goals of the program are to educate students/audiences to the Oneness of Multi-Cultural diversity through the use of different/alternate musical idioms as well as to educate students/audiences to the main Composers, Innovaters and Performers within each musical idiom.

Musicals Idioms To Be Performed: JAZZ (Ragtime, Swing Era, Bebop, Modern Jazz), LATIN (Salsa, Merengue), BRAZILIAN (Bossa Nova, Samba), CLASSICAL (Opera, Spanish Classical Guitar, Symphonic), CARRIBEAN (Calypso, Reggae).

My first impression was that Mr Blake's musical mastery is stunning. I had never heard a bass played using his Melodius-Chordal Technique. What a fabulous "wall of sound" he creates.

Hilliard Harper,

Executive Director,

Young Audiences of San Diego.

Russel Blake is an exceptional musician who is presently pioneering new directions in Electric Bass playing. His musicianship is beyond question, one need only listen to any of his many recordings or read the critic's reviews. His performance ability is recognized internationally.

Dr. Gordon Vernick,

Professor Of Music,

Georgia State University.

Mr Blake is an exceptional musician and teacher of world-class caliber.

Jacqueline Pickett,

Professor Of Music,

Auburn University, Alabama

Russel Blake's lessons on the history of music and his emphasis on the music of many nations are powerful examples of how it is possible to teach an appreciation of various cultures in a subtle and yet profound way.

Joy Ford Austin,

Consultant,

Kellogg Foundation

The City's Finest Electric Bassist!

George Varga,

Pop Music Critic,

San Diego Union-Tribune

What a show it was! Our students are still talking about it. I was so amazed by the fact that they wanted your autograph after the assembly.

Darcy Mitchell,

Loma Elementary School,

PTA President

Our students in our community were enlightened on your musical global tour of music that transcends time and culture. You were extremely professional in all aspects of your visit. Your ability to work with students of various ages and abilities was flexible, nurturing and understanding. The community groups you peformed for were pleased and impressed by your talents and knowledge. It was my pleasure to host you on your visit. Please use this letter to extend your gift of music to other communities. Our sincerest Thank-You, from Battle Creek Public Schools.

Lorraine Cowe,

Coordinator For Fine Arts,

Battle Creek Public Schools,

Battle Creek, Michigan

Arts In Corrections was recently honored to present Bass Guitarist Russel Blake in five Solo performances at Ironwood State Prison. The performances revealed a musician of extraordinary talent and accomplishment. Russel's capacity to masterfully play a wide range of music, from classical to jazz to pop, many with his own arrangements, is impressive. I was extremely impressed wih Russel's ability to communicate with an audience verbally and musically. The audiences not only were exposed to a stirring perfomance, they were also given insights into music history. Russel Blake, a musician of the highest caliber, who has toured and performed internationally, is also a personable young man. He is articulate and easy to work with. Often, artists are uncomfortable working in a prison for the first time. Russel was not at all flustered, he took the security measures in stride and approached his audiences with dignity and respect. I highly recommend Russel Blake as a musician and educator.

Marlene Pou,

Institutional Artist Facilitator,

Arts In Corrections, Ironwood State Prison,

Blythe, California

Not only is Russel a highly knowledgeable, innovative and skillful musician, he is also a concientious businessman with a polite, yet warm air about him. We hold Russel in the highest regard and must add that our clients totally enjoy his music( in many instances more than our visual art). Russel Blake will add great pleasure and educational value to any venue or event lucky enough to "discover" him.

Lela Harty,

Director, Robson Gallery,

San Diego, California