Morganton JAM is a program for children in Burke County, NC. The program is held three afternoons per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays) after school at the City of Morganton Recreation Center on Collett Street. The program is offering a wide variety of classes including fiddle, 3-finger banjo, guitar, mandolin, Uke and upright bass. Currently the program serves over 70 young folks ages 7 – 18 from local schools and the homeschool community.
Enrichment Opportunities Include: Numerous trips to play at Morganton Farmer’s market as well as playing in the Christmas parade, at Grace Ridge Retirement Center, Orchard at Altapass and at the McDowell House for Revolutionary War Days. Students also get to see professional bands, learn in workshops from guest teaching artists and participate in the International Play Music on the Porch Day.
Burke County is known for its rich history and traditions of bluegrass, blues and old time music. Some notable historic musicians include George Shuffler, John Shuffler, Jim Buchanan, Herb Lambert, Lester Woodie and Etta Baker (Piedmont blues).
The Morganton JAM program is dedicated to carrying on those traditions with the next generation of pickers by offering small group instruction led by local master musicians.
Location: Collett Street Recreation Center
300 Collett St Morganton NC 28655
Current Instructors:
Mary Ervin – beginner fiddle
Alyssa McLean – guitar
Eli Houser – 3 finger banjo
David Wiseman – mandolin, guitar, banjo
Josh Berry – upright bass, guitar, band instruction
Brittany Charity – Ukulele
Jerry McLean – mandolin
For more information about Morganton JAM, call Amber Williams at the City of Morganton Department of Parks and Recreation at (828) 455-2575 or [email protected]