Caldwell JAM - Junior Appalachian Musicians Program

Caldwell JAM is a low-cost afterschool program that teaches children traditional, old-time music.

We currently have beginning old-time fiddle and guitar classes, which serve approximately 40 children from grades 3-7 in Happy Valley School and Granite Falls Elementary School.

Our region has been home to many fine traditional musicians, and Caldwell JAM is helping to foster this tradition and instill a sense of pride in our children. Students learn traditional tunes such as “Cripple Creek,” “Shortnin’ Bread,” and “Fly Around my Pretty Little Miss,” as well as how to be responsible for an instrument, how to practice regularly, and, most importantly, how to make music with one another.

Caldwell JAM welcomes and is appreciative of donations of all sorts: old time instruments (open-back banjo, fiddle, guitar), music accessories (tuners, strings, picks), as well as financial. Financial contributions go towards paying visiting artists, field trips, and scholarships for students.

Caldwell JAM is an affiliate of the region-wide JAM, Inc., which was started in the spring of 2000 in Alleghany County, NC, in order to preserve a vital aspect of mountain culture and offer positive activities to youth.

For more information please contact:

Leila Weinstein
Director, Caldwell JAM
828.758.7150
caldwellncjam@gmail.com
http://www.jaminfo.org

This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment of the Arts.