Letter writer: Junior Appalachian Musicians deserves support

Posted on by Letters
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

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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.

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