Riverbend Kindergarten students receive 90 minutes of group violin instruction each week as an academic intervention. Students start the school year by creating a paper violin (with help from their families). Kinders use their paper violin to practice responsibility, body control, and violin technique. In November students perform a Paper Violin Concert to show what they have learned and earn the opportunity to play the real violin. Students perform again, in May, on their real violins. Juneau kindergarten students from Auke Bay, Glacier Valley, and Riverbend Elementary Schools participate in this program. Traditionally, Juneau Kindergarten JAMM students have been invited to perform together at the University of Alaska Community Day on Campus.
"Through early access to music-making and the experience of ensemble, children in Juneau, Alaska, learn how to work together and become part of a community of confident, life-long and socially responsible learners. JAMM is an El Sistema-inspired music program that offers Juneau’s youth early access to instrumental instruction through school and community partnerships. Based upon cognitive research that show playing an instrument at an early age develops key skills for success." -JAMM Website
For more information, visit https://www.juneaumusicmatters.com/