JAM students during a weekly jam session.
The Yadkin Arts Council has announced the start of another semester of the Yadkinville Junior Appalachian Musicians Program beginning Feb. 1. This North Carolina Arts Council funded program teaches school aged students of all levels how to play Appalachian instruments in a group setting rather than one on one.
To give a vision of what this looks like; on Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 p.m., the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center comes alive as sounds of the next generation of old-time and bluegrass musicians fills the campus. Students as young as third graders and as old as seniors in high school gather together in small groups wielding mandolins and guitars to participate in weekly lessons and jam sessions.
The Yadkinville Junior Appalachian Musician program features: special field trips, lessons taught by professionals, enrichment in which students learn Appalachian history and music, music theory, and other skills applicable to their lessons. Semester showcases, where students get the opportunity to perform on the Willingham Theater stage, are held at the end of each semester. Most importantly, this program provides a safe place where students are encouraged to socialize and come into their own.
To register for this program or for any questions, call 336-679-2941 or email Erika@yadkinarts.org.