Blues in the Schools

A combination of lecture and workshops bringing the Blues to the cyberspace generation

Before becoming a full-time musician and entertainer, Rev. Billy taught Special Education at a private facility in West VA.

Although those who have seen his nightclub act might have a hard time imagining it, the Rev. stays actively involved in teaching through the program of Blues In The Schools.
This is a wonderful program that opens young minds and hearts to both the music and the history around it.

He has presented this program to large group assemblies, and worked with small groups of students as well. He is one of the most requested teachers for the program In Ottawa, having been there for four separate two-week seminars.
He has also presented this program at numerous schools in the US, a list is available upon request.

Although the basic presentation is aimed at the K-6 population, there is also a separate program for special needs students. If you would like more info about this unique and fascinating course, contact Noteworthy Productions, and let us bring this great combination of music, history and performance to your school.

A sixty minute lecture that combines spoken word and recordings of the great Gopel singers from the 30’s to the 60’s.

The first time that Rev. Wirtz delivered this presentation, 30 minutes into the program, half the audience was in tears. By the end of the program, over 300 people on the Blues Cruise were clapping their hands and celebrating, having been moved by the music of the pioneers of Gospel music.

In the words of the Rev.: “Gospel has never received its’ due in the history of popular music. It’s criminal that folks have never heard Archie Brownlee, Julius Cheeks, Dorothy Love Coates, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and the father of Gospel music, Thomas Dorsey.

There is such a fine line between Blues and Gospel. I have yet to play these recordings for Blues lovers , and not had them beg for more.

If you love the music they were playing on Saturday night , wait till you hear the music they were playing on Sunday morning!”

This program has been presented on the Blue Cruise twice, at Rutgers and UNC, and at festivals.

NOTE: Especially for festivals, this makes a great afternoon program and a change of pace for those wishing to learn more about this wonderful and uplifting music. Audio samples are available upon request.