Caldwell JAM to Start in 4 Locations on October 7, 2019

LENOIR, NC (September 20, 2019) — Caldwell Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), a program of the Caldwell Arts Council, offers school students ages 8 to 17 the opportunity to learn traditional Appalachian style old time music by singing and playing by ear. Children can choose old-time Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin or Banjo. As part of learning to play, students will have various opportunities to play live in our community and will have the goal of performing at Christmas and end of year concerts.

JAM lessons run for 30 weeks and will not be held on holidays, early release days or when school is dismissed early or cancelled due to weather. The program will begin October 7, 2019 at four locations and will operate as a weekly after school program during the school year. Classes will start immediately after school lets out from 2:30pm-3:30pm at Granite Falls Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary and Collettsville Elementary. Classes taught at the HUB Station will run from 4:00 pm-5:00pm on Wednesdays.

Students are encouraged to register early, as class sizes are limited to a minimum 3 students and a maximum of 10. Prepayment is required. We have found that children love practicing with parents, so those who are interested can enroll at $10 per class. Adults must bring their own instrument.

To register, visit the Caldwell Arts Council website at www.caldwellarts.com/174-caldwell-jam/, and be sure to select your instrument and school/class location. To ensure that JAM is offered to a broad range of students, tuition is based upon student’s lunch status in the Caldwell County school system. Class costs are as follows: Full Lunch is $10/class or $300 for the year and is payable at $150/half year; Reduced Lunch is $5/class or $150 for the year, payable at $75/half yea); and Free Lunch is $3/class or $90/year, payable at $45/half year. In addition, rental instruments are available from the Arts Council for $15 for the entire school year.

The Caldwell Arts Council presents the arts in all its forms to Caldwell County residents and visitors. Its gallery and administrative office is located at 601 College Avenue in Lenoir and is open free to the public Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  More information about the programs and services provided by the Arts Council, can be found online at www.caldwellarts.com or by calling 828-754-2486.