When September rolls around, many students in Columbia catch a serious case of the blues.

Since 2007, the Blues in the Schools program has given students a unique opportunity to learn about American history, culture, diversity and society through the medium of music.

Blues in the Schools is a component of the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival, which Steve Sweitzer of Thumper Entertainment began. The foundation started at U.S. Grant Elementary School and is now part of 12 other schools in the Columbia area.

Pam Sisson, a music teacher at Grant, received an invitation from Blues in the Schools and Grant’s partner in education, Boone County National Bank, to have a musician do a weeklong residency. She readily agreed.

After applying for and receiving a grant from the Missouri Arts Council, Grant students had the opportunity to learn from TJ Wheeler, a renowned blues artist and educator.

“We could provide a unique opportunity for our students to be successful,” Sisson says.

After Grant’s experience with Blues in the Schools, the program began to grow.

“We loved it so much at Grant that we and Thumper Entertainment wanted it to expand to all the schools so everyone could have the great experience we did,” Sisson says.

Part of the great experience is “rubbing elbows” with a professional. The students compose and perform an original song with Wheeler.

Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Chris Belcher has worked to incorporate the foundation into the curriculum.

“The kids really enjoy it,” Belcher says. “They internalize the messages (of blues) and learn at a larger level. (Blues) better fits with the teachings of social studies. Blues is the history. It demonstrates the changes we as a nation have experienced.”

Wheeler will spend time between the 13 schools from Sept. 3 – Oct. 1, providing clinics, assemblies and workshops.

“Blues in the Schools supports academic success because the topics presented support what goes on in the classroom,” Sisson says.

Fourth grade students at Grant learn about famous Missouri musicians, poetry, tempo and mood. Wheeler spends Monday through Friday at Grant teaching not only music but also lessons of acceptance and diversity.

“Public schools reflect the community,” Belcher says. “We have a strong arts presence in Columbia. We value these (artistic) resources, and it’s good to see them working through the schools. ”

The culminating experience for students is performing Saturday at the blues festival.

“It’s a beautiful thing to watch,” Thumper Entertainment President Betsy Farris says. “Music breaks down barriers.”

Farris recognizes the importance Blues in the Schools plays in supplementing music curriculum and “giving kids an anchor of confidence.” For Farris and Thumper Entertainment, creating awareness about the program and encouraging the community to donate are vital to the program’s growth.

“The community is open and eager to support the program,” Farris says.

Belcher and Farris both hope that Blues in the Schools will be a successful model so other schools throughout the state will want to participate in the program.

Students will perform from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater.

“Up on the stage, we see a mosaic of Columbia,” Belcher says. “These kids are literally trying to find their voice. To see someone stand up to the mic and belt out a song, it’s powerful.”