The Haywood County Arts Council will hold registration for students in the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 3:30pm-5:00pm at Canton Middle School, 60 Penland Street, Canton, NC 28716. JAM instructors will be on hand to assist beginning students with their choice of instrument study. Instruments are available for rental from Strains of Music in Waynesville. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00pm beginning Tuesday, September 25, 2012.

Beginning its twelfth year in Haywood County, the JAM program is designed for children in 4^th grade and older who want to learn old-time mountain music. Students will be taught banjo, fiddle, or guitar in the traditional way mountain music has been taught for generations. A string band class is offered to advanced students by instructor referral only. JAM instructors are Barry Benjamin, guitar; Robby Robertson, string band/advanced fiddle; Travis Stuart, banjo; and, Trevor Stuart, fiddle.

All students in Haywood County are eligible for the JAM program. Students in adjoining counties may participate on a space available basis. Lessons are $90.00 per child for the school year and fees must be paid in advance. Classes are held each Tuesday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:00pm at Canton Middle School, 60 Penland Street in Canton. The JAM lesson schedule follows the Haywood County School System calendar. JAM classes do not meet on early out days, school holidays, or if school is cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions. Public, private, and home schooled students are encouraged to Join the JAM program.

For enrollment questions please contact Brittany Martin or Kay S. Miller at the Haywood County Arts Council at info@haywoodarts.org or by calling 452-0593. For more information about JAM, as well as other programs or events, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at www.haywoodarts.org or on facebook at www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.  The mission of the Haywood County Arts Council is to build partnerships that promote art and artists, explore new cultural opportunities, and preserve mountain artistic heritage. This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division or the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.