Sponsored by Martin Guitar

June 12-14, 2020

Since 2005, the Wind Gap Academy for Kids (BGA) has been teaching kids to play, sing and perform bluegrass music on site at the festival. The free three day program consists of guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, dobro and cello instruction; group sessions; harmony singing; and guest appearances by musicians who are performing at Wind Gap. The grand finale is a ‘Graduation Gig’ Sunday afternoon on the MainStage. Approximately 25 kids participate each year. They have fun, learn new skills, grow in confidence and make friends that can last a lifetime.

Songs for 2020’s BGA will be announced in early May.

We are committed to keeping traditional bluegrass alive by passing it on to the upcoming generation through education.

BGA Staff

BGA Director, guitarist and dobro player, Mark Panfil, is a lifelong music educator from Western New York; a founding member of the Creek Bend Bluegrass Band; Chairman of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music (Nashville, TN); and a long-time instructor at Augusta Bluegrass Week in Elkins, WV. Chris Panfil is a solo performer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Mandolin, fiddle, harmonica and various guitar styles are his palette. Writing and singing his Americana influenced songs are his passion.

Classes

We offer instruction in banjo, bass, cello, dobro, fiddle, guitar and mandolin. Singing is part of the program every day.

BGA Schedule (subject to change)

FRIDAY— ORIENTATION

6:30-7:00 pm Sign in and be in seats by 7:00.
7:00 pm General orientation for all students. Bring your instruments! You will be playing the first night!

SATURDAY — CLASSES
10:00-Noon Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice
Noon-1:30 pm Lunch with your family
1:30-3:30 pm Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice

SUNDAY — GETTING READY FOR THE BIG GIG!
10:00-11:30 Rehearse, Certificates, Class Photo, etc.
11:30-12:30 pm Lunch with your family
12:45 Meet Backstage

1:00 Perform on the Main Stage



Program Requirements

Before enrolling, please be sure your child:

  1. Can attend classes all three days, from Friday night’s orientation thru Sunday’s Main Stage performance.

  2. Will have an instrument for all sessions, including orientation.

  3. Has a basic knowledge of his/her instrument. For instance, fiddle students should be able to play an A scale and play a simple tune such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Guitar students should be able to play A, D and E chords and change comfortably between chords.

Recommendations

  1. BGA is designed for kids age 8 and up. However, if your child has not quite turned 8 but has been taking lessons, plays with basic proficiency AND has an adequate attention span, we will consider accepting him or her if room allows.

  2. We recommend that students bring a tuner to classes with them, either an electronic tuner, tuning fork, or pitch pipe.

  3. Guitar, dobro and banjo students should also bring a capo suitable for their instrument.

Registering Your Child

  1. Registration begins on March 1

  2. There is no charge to participate in the academy.

  3. Kids 13 and up need to purchase a ticket to attend the festival. Please visit our TICKET PAGE to purchase tickets. Kids 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed parent or guardian.

  4. To register your child for BGA, click the registration link at the top of this page, fill in all questions and click “submit” ONCE.

  5. Many of you will want to know what the BGA tunes will be this year. Links will be posted on Mark Panfil’s website by early May.

Thank you!