Using the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta Blues tradition, the Delta Blues Education Fund is giving youth a healthy alternative to the harsh realities of Clarksdale streets. Classes concentrate on instrumental technique and performance. Instruction on the instruments of the Delta Blues (bass, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, drums and voice) is augmented by teaching participants the keys to success as professional musicians. Instructors, professional artists themselves, teach personal conduct, effective communication and money management. After-school classes are held at the Delta Blues Museum for 3 hours, 5 days a week. On Saturdays, students take classes at the Elks Club and Chamber of Commerce. The after-school program complements a daytime program at six area schools. A large number of youth participate in both the daytime and after-school programs. Students perform publicly, with many of the performances generating income that is put into a trust account. Older students who have graduated from the Program perform the Delta Blues in Delta-area communities. "The children have become professional musicians and are performing all over Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Illinois. They have been on television, and some are now important wage earners for their families," says Co-Director Rex Miller.