A January 2025 IBMA Foundation project grant went to the Jam Pak Blues ‘N’ Bluegrass program in Chandler, Arizona. Specifically, the grant funded instruction in instrument repair and maintenance for older youth members of Jam Pak interested in learning more about lutherie.
“The project to take care of our many donated instruments became even more significant as we got 42 instruments ready to donate to Junior Appalachian Musicians groups in the southeastern United States,” said Jam Pak director, Anni Beach. (Please see the article in last month’s issue of The Cornerstone, as well as a new article in the February 2026 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine for more info on the story of how young bluegrass musicians in Arizona fixed up and shared instruments with young people in Appalachia—some who had lost instruments in Hurricane Helene.)
IBMA Foundation project grant funds were used over the course of 11 months to pay instructor stipends and to purchase parts and supplies. “Jam Pak band members and their mentors worked for many hours over this period of time,” Anni said. “Two instructors were volunteers, and one made up a toolbox of essentials which is kept here at the Beach House for use. All three mentors contributed parts and supplies from their own collections, in addition to what we purchased. Jam Pak now has at least six young people who know how to string, make minor repairs, and do upkeep on our instruments. This is pretty fantastic!
“We are extremely grateful for the inspiration this grant gave us to get going on a project never tried in our 31 years of existence,” Mrs. Beach continued. “Jam Pak paid for expenses over the grant amount, and at this time we will continue the learning and work—paying stipends to our youth for their repair work from Jam Pak funding. Thank you again for giving such a great grant!”
RETURN to the January 2026 issue of The Cornerstone.
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