Letter writer: Junior Appalachian Musicians deserves support

Graphic by Lori Deaton

Last year, my oldest daughter enrolled as a banjo student in an after-school program, Junior Appalachian Musicians. Another daughter enrolled this year as a fiddle student.

The program allows students the opportunity to learn traditional instruments, including banjo, guitar and fiddle. Classes are offered Wednesdays at Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Instruments are available to rent.

I became concerned as the year began when I noticed fewer students than last.  We need programs like JAM in our community. I encourage Buncombe County families to learn more about JAM and to consider supporting the program, whether it’s by enrolling a student or by donating. It has provided our children the opportunity to learn from incredible instructors, and it has given us the opportunity to further introduce our children to traditional Appalachian culture.

— Stephany Davis
Leicester

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Letter writer: Junior Appalachian Musicians deserves support

  1. Negrodamus

    The mountains wouldn’t be the same without its traditional music. Thank you.

    I encourage parents to check out contra dancing (which kids can do too), and through that maybe their kids can grow to love the best kind of music in the world.

    • Negrodamus

      btw, Asheville has some of the best, if not the best, contra dancing in the world.

    • boatrocker

      Contra dancing and music is from the New England area and has negative soul, interloper.
      Try old time music and buck dancing.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.