The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Introduces New Music Program
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is set to launch an exciting new initiative aimed at preserving traditional music forms. The Junior Appalachian Music program, or JAM, will introduce young learners to the rich traditions of old-time and bluegrass music.
Inspired by the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, which originated in Alleghany County, Virginia in 2000, JAM seeks to carry on the mountain culture legacy. This initiative has successfully expanded to numerous cities across the southeastern United States.
Next month, UNCSA will begin its version of JAM, offering lessons in instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Students will also have opportunities to perform in both small and large groups.
Erika Frazier, Artistic Director of the UNCSA Community Music School, emphasizes the quality of instruction: “It means a lot for the kids of our area to learn about our heritage and the musicians from this area. In Winston and the Piedmont Triad, we have a lot of rich culture and a lot of history, and people who really feed into this genre of music,” she notes. “But a lot of the time, the younger population isn’t exposed to it until they’re a little bit older.”
Registration is currently open, with classes set to commence on February 17.
