The Junior Appalachian Musicians Program of Grundy County teaches fiddle, guitar, banjo and singing in the Appalachian tradition of music. JAMkids get the benefit of social and educational development, forming friendships while playing and learning together in a wholesome environment. JAMkids also get to experience additional concerts and demonstrations from visiting musicians, have the chance to perform at local community events, and the opportunity for field trips to regional music festivals. This year JAMkids performed at the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Coalmont, the Littell Center Open House, the Cumberland Community Dance, the JAMboree Old Roundhouse Park in Tracy City, the Caverns Shindig and the American Revival festival.

Classes this summer take place at the Littell Partin Center, or “the old Grundy County High School building” at 14399 US-41 in Tracy City on second and fourth Mondays: June 8, June 22, July 13, July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, from 4-5:30 p.m. JAM classes are suited for kids ages 8-18, with “Junior JAM” (beginning fiddle, ukulele, singing & percussion) available to kids from ages 4-7. Families with younger children are welcome to stay and be amongst the music. Parents and guardians may accompany their children in the classroom during lessons or wait in the hallway or outside the building.

Our local JAM program is made possible by the South Cumberland Community Fund, the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, the Caverns, Gold Tone banjo company and the many people who have donated instruments, time, and resources, and all the families who are supporting their children’s interest in music. JAMkids Grundy Area is offered at no cost, but donations are accepted.

You may register for the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program of Grundy Area at www. grundyarea.art/jam or contact program director Cara Kitzrow at grundyjamkids@ gmail.com for more information.

Let’s JAM, Grundy!