As residents of Hancock County, Tennessee, we are deeply honored to help preserve and pass on the rich musical traditions of our Appalachian home through the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. Nestled among the mountains and farmland of East Tennessee, Hancock County has a long and proud heritage of Gospel, Bluegrass, and mountain music. Our region is perhaps best known as the home of legendary bluegrass pioneer Jimmy Martin, and we are committed to ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for future generations.
As a family, we have performed together in an old-time family string band for more than a decade, sharing music at festivals, historical reenactments, churches, and community events throughout the region. Through JAM of Hancock County, we have the privilege of teaching young people not only how to play instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass, but also how to sing, perform together, and appreciate the cultural heritage that makes our mountain communities unique. Our goal is to create an encouraging environment where children can develop musical skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through music.
Our family brings a variety of experiences to the program. Todd has spent more than twenty years teaching music and performing throughout the United States and abroad. Juliet serves as JAM Program Director and brings decades of experience in family wellness, education, and music. Our children—Harlen, Lindy, and Lemuel—have grown up immersed in traditional Appalachian music and now help teach the next generation of young musicians. Together, we believe that music is one of the greatest gifts we can share, connecting young people to their community, their history, and one another.
JAM of Hancock County is offered in 12-week fall and spring sessions at Elm Springs Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Sneedville.
We are proud that the program is open to all children ages 4–17, regardless of their family's ability to pay, with sliding-scale tuition and instruments available on loan. Through the support of our community and the enthusiasm of our students, we look forward to keeping the sounds of Southern Appalachian music alive for many years to come.