By enabling Stuart’s Opera House to purchase four banjos for its programming, this project helped Stuart’s Opera House advance its goal of providing unique cultural, artistic, and historical music education to the people of Nelsonville and beyond.

Students in Appalachian Ohio often do not have access to music education, depriving them of not only a learning opportunity but also a creative outlet. This program fills that gap while educating participants on and celebrating Appalachian culture.

The banjos purchased through this project have so far been used in four music events and “instrument petting zoos” at Athens County Public Libraries, private banjo lessons, a music residency at Federal Hocking High School, and an intergenerational Appalachian Music Week with the Nelsonville Public Library.

These programs promoted intergenerational communication and the celebration of a shared musical tradition. A staff member at Stuart’s celebrated the value of the programming when she said, “My favorite Stuart’s event this year was the Appalachian Music Week, when there was music coming out of every crook and crevice of this magnificent facility! My kids loved it and can’t wait until next year!”