Who Are We?

We are first generation JAMM: students who launched the program as kindergartners or 1st graders in 2010 at Glacier Valley. Since then, even as middle and high school students we are still part of JAMM serving as teaching assistants. Some of our goals are sharing our passion for music to others and hoping that they'll do the same; showing that music is more than just sound - it brings students from all walks of life together as a family and gives them a safe haven; and teach students in multiple ways.

Jemima Verebasaga

I play the violin and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Playing the violin has opened many doors for me such as playing with many different groups, being able to play pieces by ear after just one or two times of hearing the music, being able to play alongside my dad, and being a teaching assistant with the JAMM program. I enjoy going to the schools and helping to teach because it combines two of my biggest passions, music and working with younger kids. When I'm not at JAMM, a few activities you might catch me engaging in are singing, writing my own songs, hanging out with my friends, reading books, journaling, going around town taking photos with my dad and trying new things. A few goals I have for the future are to expand my knowledge in music and education, continue to grow a healthy mindset, explore my cultural background and travel to make more connections and form relationships with people from all different locations, cultures and backgrounds. 

Aliciana Zamora

I've been playing the double bass for 7 years, and played violin for 3 years before. Along with that I've recently picked up the cello and the bass guitar. My passion is music, and I hope that in the future I get to travel the world sharing that passion. I like to read, sing, ski, and experiment with digital arts, along with photography. If I'm not focused on school, you'll probably find me in my room experimenting with either my double bass or my bass guitars. Music has always been a part of my life, so I've never known anything different. I've expanded my music knowledge and talent throughout high school, and I've also been traveling a lot more for music as well. In November I traveled to Anchorage for Alaska All-State, and I'm hope to travel to different music programs in the future. My dream for the future is to earn at least a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Music Education so I can play everywhere and be able to teach music to students. JAMM is very important to me, and I am glad that I've been able to stay in JAMM as a high school student. 

Leora Murray

Kelsi Sell

Hi, I'm Kelsi Sell, I am a freshman at Thunder Mountain High School. I was one of the first ever JAMM students, in 2010. I started out playing the violin, and when I moved to Floyd Dryden Middle School, I was going to continue playing the violin, until my music teacher asked for a couple of us to switch to the viola, and I offered to try it out, and I have now played the viola for 4 years now, and I plan on staying as a Violist. I'm very grateful for JAMM, if JAMM never started I would not be playing music now. Music has been a part of my life for 10 years now, and nothing will change that. I thank Doctor. Heagy for starting JAMM and I hope it continue for years to come. I love JAMM so much, it's my family, and other's will agree. 

Jamin Gho

I am Jamin Gho, I am a freshman in high school. I went to Mendenhall River Elementary school during Kindergarden but switched to Glacier Valley in first grade. I started late, and I had several people help me catch up. I regretfully didn't participate in JAMM in second grade, but I have continued since then. I also play a little piano, and love music. I am glad to help with JAMM, and enjoy helping with the elementary kids. I recently went to state with my robotics team, and one thing I noticed is that most of my team are musical. Music is amazing.

Talitha Hammond

I have played a musical instrument for almost 11 years. Unlike most students I started out on the piano (I still play the piano) and then started the violin in first grade. I started playing with JAMM in first grade and from there my love for music blossomed. Now I am a freshman part -time student and go to orchestra at Thunder Mountain then do home school at... home. I also participate in the Juneau Student Symphony. I like JAMM because it gives every kid a chance to play music and grow their love for music. I love music because it helps my imagination flourish and everytime I pick up my instrument and start to play I feel like I am on a journey.
When I am not helping with JAMM or practicing my instruments, I like writing stories, sleeping, reading, listening to music, and eating bacon. My goals for the future are to expand my wisdom of writing, grammar, and music. My dream for the future is to become an Author and help teach other kids how to love music.