JAMM's Winter Concert: Make Room for 120 Young Musicians

Mr. Xia, JAMM's violin instructor, leads his ever-growing orchestra (Photo: Michael Penn, Juneau Empire)

A sea of blue JAMM t-shirts filled the Glacier Valley Elementary School gymnasium, as 120 kindergarten and 1st grade students stood proudly, ready to share with families and friends what they've learned.  One year ago, the first kindergarten class of JAMM violinists graduated from their Paper Violins.  It was an exciting moment for these young musicians because this performance represented a rite of passage: one that acknowledged them as responsible and skilled violinists ready to play the real violin.   

Now, as 1st graders, they not only had the thrill of performing in front of a packed audience, but also the honor of giving the next class of kindergartners a glimpse of where they might be a year from now. 

Here are highlights from their two performances:

JAMM would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of this fledgling program.  In just over a year's time,  you have ensured that all kindergarten and 1st grade students receive access to quality musical instruction during school hours.  From the entire Glacier Valley community, thank you!

Association of Alaska School Boards

Great Blue Heron Fund 

Greg Burger and Mary DeSmet

Classics for Kids

Douglas-Dornan Foundation

Glacier Valley Parent Group

Juneau Community Foundation

Juneau School District 

Stan and Amy Lujan

Kim Poole

Rasmuson Foundation