I am so happy to be reporting that BITS marches on! A really good team of BLUSD folk, lead by Janet Blair, are stepping up to divide and conquer all things BITS and stimulate a fresh round of evolution in the program.

A few quickie headlines FYI: Yes, except for blowing some harp for the occasional BITS gig I am moving on from managing BITS • Harmonium PrimeTime (LiveScan req.) gigs are still expected (6-36 ? who knows?) probably starting in April • a few other non-Harmonium (non LifeScan) dates will get on the books • the teachers’ blues lesson plan development workshop pilot program is underway w/ 1st date in March • Blues Summer Camp is scheduled for July 30th – August 3rd. 2012 @ Epicentre • a weekends version of the camp is in the works for Santee •

 This is my last email blast on behalf of BITS *** IT’S BEEN GREAT *** Thank you one and all!

*** IF YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED AS BITS GOES FORWARD BE SURE TO LEAN FORWARD ***

CONTACT one or more of the following folk, talk to each other, talk to the Leaders, GET INVOLVED

 Janet Blair                 gro.dsulbnull@stib                                   

Could not have guessed just who it might be just a few months back, but what a great new Director BITS now has in Janet Blair. Janet’s taught all K-12 levels of school, successfully developed a program to bring more music into Australian classrooms, promoted her husband Stoney B. Blues into San Diego’s blues scene, and is now looking for a way to work her magic on behalf of BITS. She brings great experience and vision to her new role, please welcome and support Janet.

 Shannon Miner  gro.dsulbnull@radnelacgig  

For the moment Janet is getting the initial 2011-2012 programs organized, but the plan is for Shann to be the primary BITS Artist contact in scheduling and doling out all contracted gigs. He’ll keep the Artists list current, and be the one calling the Leaders with dates to book. You might already know Shann from his work on BLUSD’s Calendar, or from his luthier business, Fallbrook Guitar Co.

 Nelly Burns                gro.dsulbnull@rerusaerT

BLUSD veteran Board member and all-purpose volunteer, Nelly is stepping up to an expanded Treasurer’s role, and will be issuing all BITS honorarium and other checks, be cross checking your BLUSD memberships, taking care of collecting and tracking BITS fees, donations, all funds and expenses.

 Other BITS Team Folk include Michele Lundeen, who’s been reworking BITS literature and promo materials and helping develop new teacher-related programs; Ric Lee who plans to turn-the-crank on the “customer” side of the equation and get the word out about BITS presentations to more schools and programs around the county; Cathy Hammond, who’s helped raise funds for our guitar grant program in creative ways, is stepping up to do more of the same as well as get involved in grant writing and perhaps even some BITS program evaluation research; Deborah Blake, BLUSD’s new Webmaster will be upgrading BITS’ web page, providing easier ways for donors to help us via the internet, and generally help track BLUSD/BITS info and make the web presence more dynamic and interactive. Others have expressed an interest in getting more involved with BITS, and you will learn of their roles as they evolve. BITS’ Facebook page will become more important and alive — please befriend BITS if you haven’t already.

You are all my friends for life since we’ve shared this great BITS-building-decade. Stay healthy and involved. I’ll be seeing you out there. All the best,

-Rand De Mattei