Alleghany Jam

About

Alleghany JAM (Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians) has taught traditional music to young people for twenty-three years, and more than 2500 students have taken part. Master traditional artists teach small groups after school, and students pick a main instrument from fiddle, banjo, guitar or mandolin, plus two activities such as singing, traditional dance, bass, dulcimer or ukulele. Instruments are lent free and scholarships are available. Students perform at the JAM House, in the community and at festivals. One class explores traditional arts through Reader's Theater, songwriting and an art class that pairs song with the making of a crankie. The program serves all three elementary schools in Alleghany County, home schoolers there and in Grayson County, VA, and adults through evening classes such as Beginning Guitar, Intermediate Banjo and a String Band class.