Participants in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform on Alaska Native drums at Sitʼ Eeti Shaanáx̱ Glacier Valley Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Juneau Alaska Music Matters)

Participants in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform on Alaska Native drums at Sitʼ Eeti Shaanáx̱ Glacier Valley Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Juneau Alaska Music Matters)

JAMM among 11 finalists for four $500,000 national Accelerator Awards

Winners of fifth annual awards for youth music programs scheduled to be announced in January.

The Juneau Alaska Music Matters program is among 11 finalists for four $500,000 awards for youth music programs nationwide, which would come close to doubling the local nonprofit’s current budget during the next five years the money is allocated, officials said Monday.

Winners of the fifth annual Accelerator Awards presented by The Lewis Prize for Music, a philanthropist organization founded in 2018, are scheduled to be announced Jan. 9, according to a statement by the organization. Meghan Johnson, JAMM’s executive director of the JAMM program, said in an interview the funds would allow for a significant boost in staffing and program offerings — and ensure they are financially stable in the coming years.

“This would certainly be by far the largest award we’ve ever received,” she said. “And to know that to have it go for five years and not have to reapply every year is nice too.”

JAMM was selected as a finalist from 261 applicants in 42 U.S. states and territories, according to the Lewis Prize organization.

Johnson said JAMM’s current budget — which relies largely on local and state funding, plus some national grants — is about $130,000 a year. More than 500 local students are participating this year in the program, which originated in 2010.

JAMM’s website describes itself as “inspired by El Sistema in Venezuela, which uses music as a vehicle for social change.” The tuition-free program provides in-class and after-school programs to students from kindergarten through middle school.

Among JAMM’s distinctive offerings is the Haa Ḵusteeyí: Our Way of Life program, focusing on “Lingít values through story and song.” Developed in collaboration with numerous Southeast Alaska Native organizations and tribal cultural leaders.

“We’re part of the community-wide effort to revitalize the Lingít language, but especially for us it’s to normalize its use in the schools and to show that a specialized subject like music can be taught in an Indigenous language,” Johnson said.

Another area of focus for Lewis Prize contenders is creative youth development via leadership by peers, which Johnson said is part of the El Sistema roots of JAMM.

“We want students to see themselves as artists, educators, teachers and musicians,” she said. “I mean they’re all of those things and through music they can engage in their civic engagement, there are opportunities to teach and work with others. There’s a built-in peer mentorship, and then performance and creativity.”

In a press release, the Lewis Prize for Music states JAMM was identified “as a leading organization in the field of music for positive social change.”

“The 11 Finalists for the 2024 Accelerator Awards have smart, articulate, passionate leaders that collaborate with their teams and local leaders to provide adolescents most negatively impacted by inequities with all they need to have productive, exciting and rewarding lives,” Daniel Lewis, founder of The Lewis Prize for Music, said in a prepared statement. “I am enthusiastic that these organizations focus on developing the artistic, interpersonal and leadership skills as well as the self-confidence, ambition and discipline of their young members to become creative participants in an educated local workforce and a sustainable economy.”

Among JAMM’s upcoming performances are paper violin concerts by kindergarten participants on Dec. 9 at Kax̲dig̲oowu Héen Elementary School and Dec. 15 at Sítʼ Eetí Shaanáx̱ Glacier Valley Elementary School, Johnson said.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 3

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

“I voted” stickers featuring Tlingit artwork by James Johnson are displayed on a table at an early voting station at the Mendenhall Mall annex Oct. 30. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
In ballot issues, voting and democracy are having a moment

While other states consider implementing ranked choice voting, Alaska may be first state to repeal it.

A docked cruise ship, the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, is seen in Seward’s harbor on June 19 from the Race Point on Mount Marathon. The Port of Seward received a Clean Ports Program grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a shore-based system to power cruise ships when they are docked in town. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Seward gets grant for shore-based system to power docked cruise ships

Town on track to be second in Alaska, after Juneau, to provide such facilities.

El Sombrero opens the doors of its downtown restaurant for the final time Saturday after 45 years at the location. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
El Sombrero says ‘hasta luego’ by closing restaurant after 45 years, with plans to open food truck

Downtown eatery owned by family for three generations who grew up alongside their customers.

Nesbett Courthouse in downtown Anchorage on Oct. 7, 2024. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
After controversial correspondence school decision, Anchorage judge faces voters in election

Adolf Zeman is one of 19 judges on Alaska’s ballots, but he’s the only one with a campaign against him.

The outcome of the struggle for control of both the House and Senate will have sweeping implications for the country’s future. Shown is the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2024. (Jane Norman/States Newsroom)
Will control of Congress shift? The results hinge on a handful of states and races

Narrow Republican Senate majority would allow Murkowski to wield outsized influence, expert says.

A sign on Egan Drive reminds motorists at midday Friday a lower seasonal speed limit is in effect in an attempt to reduce collisions at the Fred Meyer intersection. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Reduced 45 mph speed limit goes into effect on Egan Drive in vicinity of Fred Meyer intersection

Change in effect until Jan. 31 intended to improve safety; JPD reports normal number of traffic stops.

People voting ahead of Election Day line up inside the Mendenhall Mall annex on Friday, Oct. 25. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Juneau an afterthought for candidates ahead of Tuesday’s election, but early voting at a record pace

Toss-up U.S. House race, minimum wage increase, repeal of ranked choice voting on ballot.

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo
Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by record flooding Aug. 6 to a delegation of municipal, tribal and federal officials on Aug. 11. The City and Borough of Juneau is considering a memorandum of agreement with the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska for public safety issues such as emergency response, plus a similar agreement involving solid waste operations.
City leaders, Tlingit and Haida considering operational pacts for public safety, solid waste

Assembly members Monday will also discuss flood barriers, short-term rentals, homeless.

Most Read