Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids
Please read thru info below before registering.
Then click REGISTER button at bottom of page.
Bluegrass Music Classes for Kids at Grey Fox
Since 1999, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids (BGA) has been teaching kids to play, sing and perform bluegrass music on site during the festival. The free, four-day, camp-like program consists of instrumental instruction; ensemble and harmony vocal practice; and guest appearances by musicians performing at Grey Fox. The grand finale of the program is the ‘Big Gig’ Sunday afternoon on the High Meadow Stage. Approximately 100 kids participate each year. They have fun, learn new skills, improve their playing and singing ability, grow in confidence and make friendships can last a lifetime.
Check out the Bluegrass Academy for Kids 2020 and 2022 videos. 2020 video was a special performance for the virtual Spirit of Grey Fox, created by Mark Panfil.
You will find MUSIC for the 2024 Bluegrass Academy for Kids on Mark Panfil’s website. Please visit his website where you’ll find current songs and bio information about our BGA Director.
Note: BGA 2024 will be limited to 10 students per class (4 fiddle classes, 3 guitar classes, 1 banjo class, 1 mandolin class, 1 acoustic bass class, 1 dobro class, and 1 cello class) plus a Seniors Group for more advanced teens age 13-17.
National & International Recognition
We are committed to keeping traditional bluegrass alive by passing it on to the upcoming generation through education. BGA has been featured in Bluegrass Unlimited, IBMA newsletters, bluegrass association publications and on Voice of America Radio. Several bluegrass festivals now have learning programs based on the Grey Fox model. Above all, we are happy to be connecting kids with bluegrass music.
BGA Staff
BGA Director, guitarist, banjoist, and dobro player, Mark Panfil, is a lifelong music educator from Western New York. He is a founding member of the award-winning Creek Bend Bluegrass Band, former Chair of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music, and a long-time instructor at Augusta Bluegrass Week in Elkins, WV. He will be joined by several excellent music teachers.
Classes
We offer instruction in banjo, acoustic bass, cello, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. Classes are limited to ten students each. While singing and harmonizing are part of the program every day, we do not offer classes just for vocalists.
BGA Seniors Program
Advance Music Program for ages 13-17If your young musician has had a great time in the Grey Fox Academy for Kids for at least one previous year and has advanced on their instrument to the point where they learn new solos without any ≠written notation, perhaps they are ready for a more challenging program. You may want to ask for them to be considered for this more advanced program. These musicians will also be asked to sing and harmonize with others and work more as a band. There are a limited number of spaces in this program and since this group will function as a bluegrass band, a balanced band ie. a banjo, a mandolin, a guitar, a bass, fiddles and perhaps a cello and dobro will be part of the selection process. If interested, please sign your musician up for the “Seniors Group”. You will be notified by June 1st if they are selected. All musicians not selected for Seniors will automatically be placed in the appropriate Grey Fox Academy for Kids group and will not lose out on being in the program.BGA Seniors will be taught by Chris Panfil and Ben Proctor.
BGA Schedule (subject to change)
Thursday – Orientation
| 4:00-5:00 pm | On-site registration if classes are not full. Pick up pre-ordered tee shirts. |
| 6:00-7:00 pm | Sign in, get name badge, tune up, be in seats by 6:55. |
| 7:00 pm | General orientation for all students. Bring your instruments! You will be playing the first night! |
| 7:15 pm | Student assessment by instructors and class adjustments. |
| 8:00-8:30 pm | Jam with BGA Instructors |
Friday
| 10:00-Noon | Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice |
| Noon-1:30 | Lunch with your family |
| 1:30-2:00 pm | Special Guest Performance with Q&A |
| 2:00-3:30 pm | Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice |
Saturday
| 10:00-Noon | Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice |
| Noon-1:30 | Lunch with your family |
| 1:30-2:00 pm | Special Guest Performance with Q&A |
| 2:00-3:30 pm | Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice |
| 3:30-3:45 pm | Photos and Certificates |
| 5:20 pm | Meet at entrance to backstage. Instructors will accompany students to Green Room. |
| 6:00-6:20pm | BGA Performance on High Meadow Night Stage with Very Special Guests. Congratulations, you made it! |
Sunday
| 10am-2pm | BGA students are invited to jam. No formal activities. |
Sign Up for the Academy
Program Requirements
Before enrolling, please be sure your child:
- Can attend classes all four days, from Thursday night’s orientation thru Sunday’s High Meadow Stage performance.
- Will have an instrument for all sessions, including orientation.
- 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 G, C, D, A and E chords and change comfortably between chords.
Recommendations
Before enrolling, please be sure your child:
- BGA is intended 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.
- We recommend that students bring a tuner to class with them — either an electronic tuner, tuning fork, or pitch pipe.
- Guitar, dobro and banjo students should also bring a capo suitable for their instrument.
Registering Your Child
- Registration begins on April 1 each year.
- There is no charge to participate in the academy. However, tax deductible donations are very much appreciated. BGA is part of the 501(c)3 Grey Fox Education Fund.
- Kids 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed parent or guardian. Kids 13 and up need to purchase a ticket to attend the festival. Please visit our TICKET PAGE to purchase tickets.
- To register your child for BGA, click the registration link on this page, fill in all questions and click “submit” ONCE.
- Many of you will want to the BGA tunes for this year. Links will be posted on Mark Panfil’s website by early June.
Thank you!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids Registration
Registration for 2024 has closed.
