Preserving Tradition
Many members of the Upstate folk music community work diligently to pass down the traditions to the following generations. The efforts of “Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music” (POSAM) are centrally focused on teaching kids not just how to play folk music, but to also develop a meaningful appreciation for its tradition and community. The Young Appalachian Musicians, operating under the POSAM umbrella, works to encourage participation in folk culture through music programs in local Pickens County elementary schools. Susan Snow, an instructor with this program, proudly recalls the beginnings of the program when there were 22 students and four instructors. Now, there are over 400 students and between 50-75 instructors. The YAMs offer affordable in school and after school classes, which are fairly priced based on a sliding family income scale. YAMs also offers weekly classes for adults and kids all over the Upstate, a week long summer camp, and a traveling competition group called the ‘Sweet Potato Pie Kids’. Snow immerses herself fully into these preservation efforts, insisting that “keeping the music alive” will continue to bring together communities of people. LaBoone also speaks volumes about the efforts of YAMs, describing it as a “thriving enterprise” that keeps kids engaged and out of trouble. He articulates, “music serves the kids, and it is something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives”.
To learn more about the preservation and teaching efforts of YAMs, check out their website HERE!