James "Curley" Cooke
Pacific Northwest Blues in Schools was founded in 1995 by the late James “Curley” Cooke, an award winning guitarist and music teacher. Curley’s guitar work can be heard on 35 major label albums, playing alongside such legendary artists as John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Jerry Garcia and many more. As a founding member of the Steve Miller Band, Curley was awarded both gold and platinum records.


Help us make a difference in Kid's Lives!

Pacific NW Blues in the Schools is a 501-C3 tax exempt non-profit organization in the Greater Seattle area that is one of the most successful and comprehensive "Blues in the Schools" programs existing in the US today.

Our programs are taught by professional blues musicians and teachers from the Northwest, and we offer our programs to local public school systems, private schools systems, community centers and institutions. Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools seeks to provide a positive alternative activity for the youth of the Northwest, with many of our programs conducted during "prime risk," after-school hours.

Blues in the schools mission statement:

The mission of PNBIS is to design and deliver an interdisciplinary musical experience for students that, through playing, singing and writing Blues, will also teach them the history and heritage of this original African/American art form.

PNBIS will accomplish this mission by.

1) Implementing a comprehensive program of music instruction using a team of professional musician/teachers. Students will learn the structure the skills necessary to play, perform and write the Blues.
2) Showing the role of Blues as one of the roots of American music
3) Providing the opportunity for ongoing instruction and performance to maintain interest and skills.

Pacific Northwest Blues in Schools
5 Principles


1. To teach Blues Music History by using Professional Musicians and Blues music.

2. To promote Racial, Gender and Age equality and collaboration, using Blues music.

3. To introduce students, especially under-served and at risk youth, to basic music skills and music appreciation, using Blues as a tool.

4. To help students build self esteem, tolerance, team work and discipline by learning music skills.

5. To provide local and regional musicians with a way for them to share their talents and expertise by mentoring youth.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS ADDRESS:
Pacific Northwest Blues in Schools
P.O. Box 1066
Centralia, WA 98531
www.bluesintheschools.org
Email: Annette Taborn harpnettie@yahoo.com Call: 206-679-4113

Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools (PNBIS)
From: Annette Taborn 206 679-4113 www.bluesintheschools.org
To: Board of Directors and Friends of PNBIS


Thanks to a generous donation from Rainier Investment Management we will have programs for the Fall 2012 at 2 or 3 of the following schools; Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, Bailey Gatzert Elementary School in Seattle, and/or Secondary Academy for Success in Bothell.

TESTIMONIALS from former programs

“The culminating activity after three weeks of hard work, packed with fun learning, was a real live Blues concert... I would recommend this program to any school that wanted to teach literacy and history through music and song.”

- Ernie Seevers, Principal - Alternative School #1, Seattle, WA

“I was amazed at how our kids were making music almost immediately with your approach to hands on learning. The final concert reflected the enthusiasm, responsibility and professionalism of your staff in each of the students. What a gift to our kids who are often underserved in the area of music.”

- Julie Breidenbach, Principal - Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, Seattle, WA

“…a dynamic team of musicians that can take students with no instrumental or singing experience and, in a matter of mere weeks, have them on stage performing numerous Blues songs. It truly a miracle that they can un-tap talent hiding deep inside the students and bring that talent to light.”

-Tony Olney, Assistant Principal – Secondary Academy for Success, Bothell, WA

“Your program was the highlight of my students’ year… I saw an increase in their self-esteem in the classroom and with peer interactions… It was such an amazing opportunity and we can’t wait to work with you again.”

- Daryle Songco, Special Ed Teacher - Wing Luke Elementary School, Seattle, WA

“The offenders who participated in your previous programs praise the way your music has helped them build confidence, teamwork and most importantly, self-esteem. “Blues in the Schools” is not only educational, but inspirational.”

- Douglas O. Cole, Superintendent – Washington Corrections Center for Women, Gig Harbor, WA

TNorthwest Blues in the Schools would like to specially thank our
supporters for their donations:

PNBIS is comitted to your privacy.
You can access our Privacy Policy by clicking here...


The Blues in Schools program is exactly the kind of outreach into the community that I wish were being done all over America. It is so important to let kids know about the incredibly rich contribution that Black music has made to so much of the music we love today. I salute the work Annette Taborn and Pacific NW Blues in Schools is doing to help build self-esteem and appreciation for this wonderful heritage. -- Bonnie Raitt