Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. announces the establishment of its first ever satellite office in Knoxville, Tennessee. As the parent organization for more than 50 after school “JAM” programs throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, JAM, Inc. provides a variety of materials and resources at no cost to help each program remain sustainable. The non profit organization also helps communities develop new JAM programs, where children in grades four and up learn the traditional old time and bluegrass music and dance styles of their locality.
JAM, Inc. has partnered with Atlanta-based regional arts agency, South Arts, since 2018. During that time, the two organizations have worked with communities to develop seven new JAM programs in the Appalachian region of East Tennessee, as well as to support ongoing JAM programs in Western North Carolina.
To continue the work of organizing new after school opportunities and providing support to current affiliates, JAM, Inc. has hired Cody Bauer as Field Office Coordinator. A Knoxville-based traditional musician, booking agent, and educator, Bauer will serve as the point contact for designated JAM programs throughout East TN and Western North Carolina.
“Growing up, I loved jamming with my fellow musician friends, and I would have loved to have been connected to an organization like JAM, which believes that children who are actively engaged in traditional mountain music are more connected and better prepared to strengthen their communities for future generations,” commented Bauer.
In addition to establishing new programs in Knox County and beyond, the new Field Office Coordinator will work to offer learning and performance materials and opportunities to JAM kids and families, training to instructors and staff, and ongoing consultation and guidance with program management, among much more.