The 2025 Montgomery Junior Appalachian Musicians year started recently with a toe-tapping tune from several instructors at the Montgomery Museum of Art & History. (From left) Tim Thornton, Liz Thomas, Jason Dilg, Gina Dilg and Ginger Wagner play for the group of students and parents.
Larry Hypes
Contributing writer
CHRISTIANSBURG – Picking progress in several areas, a dedicated group of youngsters prepared to “play up” once again in a unique after-school setting.
The Montgomery Junior Appalachian Musicians (MJAM), more than 30 strong, gathered for the first session of the year Sept. 8 at the Montgomery Museum of Art & History. Led by director Jason Dilg, the children (grades 4-8), heard from their instructors, checked instruments, enjoyed refreshments and had a group jam session to kick off the 2025-26 year.
“It felt like the summer only lasted an hour and a half,” exclaimed young picker Ethan Skaggs, a returning member who said he “couldn’t wait to get started again.”
The group will meet on Mondays at the museum, as well as a couple of local sites, with not only group get-togethers but also smaller practice units for guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer and for the first time, a class in mandolin play.
“I am excited, anxious to work with these children and help them as they continue their growth, begin to share their talents with others and grow a talent that will enrich their lives in the years to come,” notes Dilg, a performer versatile on a variety of instruments.
The local program is an outgrowth of the JAM program first developed by the late Helen White, a noted musician and counselor from Sparta, North Carolina, which has since grown into more than 60 sites in several states, as Dilg told the assembly.
The children will have a two-track instructional program with an enrichment component which will focus on the local and regional area with an emphasis on hands-on learning while also continuing their traditional music lessons. Parents, friends, MJAM board members, the Blacksburg Kiwanis club, and various community sources combine to assist with the program during the year.
MJAM students are active on the local and regional scene. Dilg announced that during this past summer, “several of our members took part in festivals, including FloydFest, Summer Solstice in Blacksburg, the Christiansburg Heritage Festival, the Fries festival, and Scruggs Fest, among others, and several earned awards.”
Montgomery Museum Director Sherry Wyatt said programs lime this are integral to the museum’s mission.
“You (children) are one of the most important parts of the work we do in our community,” she said. “We look forward to seeing you again this year and encourage you and your family to become members of our museum and enjoy the facilities while you are here.”
The museum assists not only by providing a site for education but also with financial advice for the various fund-raising and expenses related to the program.
One of the MJAM board members, Dr. E. Jean Haskell, a long-time Virginia Tech and East Tennessee State University professor, noted published author and regional music fan, said the program “is a delightful combination of history, heritage and promotion of community spirit that will be carried forward by these children.”
“Not only will they learn music but will develop added knowledge of their area, gain confidence, with an increase in stage presence and broaden their creative talent base,” she added. “That is a big package.”
