National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced on April 23 that Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM, Inc.) is one of 817 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. JAM, Inc is recommended for a $20,000 grant to support current and future JAM programs throughout the Southern Appalachian region. JAM, Inc’s Connect project will enhance and promote traditional musical programs through outreach to school systems and civic organizations...

The Board of Directors of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Baker as President and Executive Director. Ed succeeds Helen White who held the position since JAM's incorporation in 2008. Helen will continue to be involved with JAM and has assumed the title of Founder and Senior Advisor. Ed retired to Ashe County, NC in 2007 when he and his wife, CarolAnn, a clinical social worker, built a home on the New River. Since moving to the mountains, Ed has...

Hello to everyone in the world wide web of JAM! It’s that exciting time of year again when students across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina are counting down the days ‘til summer vacation and all of the youth music programs are gearing up for performances and end of the year celebrations. Our newest affiliates in Virginia have been busy celebrating a successful spring and aren’t quite finished yet! WiseJAMS, a Crooked Road JAM program with sites in Coeburn and Big Stone Gap,...