Maddox Wilson, (16) plays the Guitar, Mandolin and Sings. He was born and raised in Jackson County, NC. Every Sunday, you can find him at his local church, where he plays his guitar and sings. Maddox has a love for music and enjoys playing songs from all sorts of different kinds of music. He was introduced to the world of music by his family, as many members of his family have been musicians for many years. 

He is not just any member, but an active and important part of the String Band in the local group of Junior Appalachian Musicians, also known as JAM. In this group, Maddox enjoys the chance to learn new songs and practice with other young musicians. He has said that being a musician is something he will do for his entire life. 

Rainier Finley is a gifted Musician from Western North Carolina, known for his exceptional talent on the fiddle. (He also sometimes plays the Mandolin and Bass). At just 16 years old, he has already made a significant impact in both the classical and traditional music worlds. Rainier has played with many bluegrass icons like Balsam Range, and Darren Nicholson. Buddy Melton (IMBA vocals award winner and fiddler of Balsam Range) says Rainier “Has it going on,” a testament to his extraordinary skill and passion. 

Beginning his musical journey at the age of five with classical violin training, Rainier developed a strong foundation in traditional methods. Over the years, he expanded his expertise to include Scottish fiddling, winning competitions at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. In 2019, he was awarded the instrumental award in the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musician Program). 

Ethan Chappell is a 14-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Pickens SC. Raised in a musical family, Ethan was surrounded by the sounds of Appalachian folk and bluegrass from an early age. His musical journey began at the age of 9, when he first picked up a guitar.  His background also includes piano and music theory - but years later the upright bass would capture his heart and he was drawn to its rich, resonant tones.  

Over the past several years, Ethan went from being a YAM student to helping teach classes in the YAM summer program. In 2022, Ethan was awarded the Bill Wells Memorial Scholarship in the guitar category.  Just recently, he was invited to perform onstage with Darren Nicholson.  Having finally found his main instrument, Ethan is inspired by musicians which include Edgar Loudermilk, a renowned bassist in the bluegrass world, and Tim Surrett, bassist from Balsam Range.