JAM nets grant for $30,000

Alleghany County Schools was named a recipient of a $30,000 music grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. The monies will go to the school system's Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx notified Superintendent Jeff Cox of the grant last week. Cox remarked the JAM program is dependent on grant funding and with the recent allocation, which is expected to be received and utilized in the next fiscal year (starting July 1), "It will help us to be able to continue that JAM program in these tough economic times. We know we're going to need to cut back some on our local contribution to that program in the next year."

During a brief interview April 28, Cox said he had spoken with JAM Coordinator Helen White about receiving the funds, crediting her for helping secure similar grants in the past and hopes of her being able to continue to pursue and attain grants in the future.

"Her being able to secure some grant funds puts us in a better position to be able to keep the program going," he said. Meanwhile, White could not be reached for comment. According to an e-mail sent to the newspaper, White is in Europe promoting traditional Appalachian music with performing partner Wayne Henderson.

In years past, the local school system has allocated in the neighborhood of $15,000 a year to JAM through local funds. However, this year, the school system is looking for ways to continue JAM without using local funds, citing "a difficult budget year next year," stated Cox.