Blu Skool
Pattern Blu's "Blu Skool" of Youth Education is a program which identifies exceptionally gifted youth musicians from local high schools and provides a platform for them to utilize their talents. "Blu Skool" gives each musician the opportunity and experience leading their own band, composing a set list, facilitating over a performance, interacting with the audience, and logistics of accepting payment.
"Blu Skool" is not limited to only performing, Pattern Blu staff spend time with each student listening and learning from them as we teach vital life skills. We discuss etiquette, appropriate dress, hygiene, rhetoric, and how to conduct business transactions. For students seeking to enter a music program in an institution of higher education, this program will provide a professional audition media for artists in the program. This allows them to make a great impression on the college of their choice and stand out from all other auditions.
Participants in this program are compensated for their performances, furnished with appropriate attire, and given a small scholarship as they move on to college when possible. Funding is not always guaranteed but as Pattern Blu expands and networks with new partners, we will secure more adequate funding to include many more youth and develop many other youth programs. If you would like to support this cause, scroll to the bottom of this page to see how you can support. Thanks Central Arkansas for all the support you have given to this cause, it truly makes a difference in each musician's life.
J. J. McJunkins
IMcJunkins was first introduced to jazz in 10th grade when he became part of the Rock Town Jazz orchestra. Under the direction of Rojay Moore, McJunkins talent grew and he became one of the top performers in the orchestra. He plans to attend the University of Memphis after four years or active duty military in the Marine Corps Jazz Band. McJunkins is passionate about mentoring youth and equipping them with the necessary values for a vibrant future.
Christopher Crutchfield
Crutchfield was introduced to jazz music in the Rock Town Performing Arts Jazz orchestra under the direction of Rojay Moore. Since his exposure, he realized his passion was teaching and performing music. Crutchfield plans to attend Arkansas State University in hopes to open his own performing arts center and later, a jazz club.
Clifton Belcher
Belcher has a unique approach to his involvement with jazz music. During a school suspension, he was not allowed to perform but made to watch his peers perform the music he studied. His inability to perform sparked a fire and he realized how important music was to him. Belcher was introduced to jazz when he joined the Rock Town Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Rojay Moore. One of his most loved quotes is, “Music is an expression of oneself”. Belcher plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and pursue a degree in music.
Donyell Allen
Allen was introduced to jazz in the Rock Town Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Rojay Moore. He has played several times and is quite proficient in his ability. One of his favorite artists is Johnny Hodges and you will have a hard time hearing him play without a Hodges selection. Allen plans to pursue a degree in music upon graduation. He is not sure where he will attend but has a desire to teach music in the future.