Students in the WiseJAMS Music Program

In the heart of Appalachia lies the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, a sanctuary of heritage and culture. Nestled in the town of Big Stone Gap, this museum stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant spirit of Southwest Virginia. Among its many initiatives aimed at preserving the region's unique identity, the WiseJAMS Music Program celebrates the musical legacy deeply rooted in the Appalachian soil.

WiseJAMS is one of more than 50 after-school programs part of Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM). The nonprofit provides communities with the tools and support they need to teach kids how to play and dance to traditional old-time and bluegrass music.

Currently, the programs are held in Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina. Each one is individually operated, and WiseJAMS - Big Stone Gap is a partnership between Regional JAM, The Crooked Road, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, Mountain Empire Community College, Wise County Public Schools, Mountain Empire Older Citizens Transit, Pro-Art, the Town of Big Stone Gap and Wise County.

At its core, WiseJAMS is an educational endeavor, offering hands-on instruction in traditional Appalachian music to local children. Led by seasoned musicians and dedicated volunteers, the program provides a nurturing environment where artists can learn to play the banjo, fiddle and guitar, and it also features enrichment and advanced string band classes.

Students in the WiseJAMS Music Program

Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to showcase their skills and share the musical traditions of Southwest Virginia with audiences at local festivals, including Big Stone Gap’s Home Craft Days, the Lee County Tobacco Festival and the Appalachia October Festival.

The 12-week WiseJAMS Music Program is held twice a year in spring and fall at the Southwest Virginia Museum for students in third through eighth grade. Classes are on Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. and include an after-school snack and a 90-minute instructional session.

The fee for the program is $120 per semester; however, scholarships are available to cover half of the cost. Instruments are provided to students during the program.

While the spring semester is currently underway, please contact the park to learn more about enrolling a student in the fall semester, which will start in September.