Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids
Bluegrass Music Classes for Kids at Grey Fox
Since 1999, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids (BGA) has taught kids to play, sing, and perform bluegrass on site during the festival. This camp-like program includes instrumental instruction, ensemble and harmony vocal classes, and guest appearances by Grey Fox artists. The grand finale is the prime-time “Big Gig” on Saturday at the High Meadow Night Stage. The BGA instruction program is FREE.
Festival admission: Admission to Grey Fox is free for kids 12 years of age and under. Students age 13-17 may purchase discounted Teen Weekend or Three-Day Non-Camping Tickets here.
Each year, 80–100 kids participate—having fun, building skills, growing in confidence, and forming lasting friendships. Besides instruction, BGA students often busk during the weekend to practice what they’ve learned, increase awareness, and generously raise money to support the program.
Classes are limited to 10 students each (4 fiddle, 3 guitar, 1 banjo, 1 mandolin, 1 acoustic bass, 1 cello), plus a Seniors Group for more advanced teens ages 13–17.
BGA 2026 Music will be available at MarkPanfil.com in early June, as well as information about our multi-talented BGA Director.
National & International Recognition
We’re committed to keeping traditional bluegrass alive by passing it on to the next generation through education. The BGA has been featured in Bluegrass Unlimited, IBMA newsletters, bluegrass association publications, and on Voice of America, and has inspired similar programs at festivals across the country. Most importantly, it’s about connecting kids with bluegrass music.
BGA Director and 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, served as Chair of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music, and instructed at Augusta Bluegrass Week in Elkins, WV. He will be joined by several excellent music teachers.
Classes
Instruction is offered in banjo, acoustic bass, cello, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, with classes limited to ten students each. Singing and harmony are part of the daily program, though there are no vocal-only classes.
BGA Seniors Program
Advance Music Program for ages 13-17If your young musician has participated in the Grey Fox Academy for Kids and is advancing—able to learn solos by ear—they may be ready for the more challenging Seniors Group. This program emphasizes playing as a band, including singing and harmonizing, with a balanced mix of instruments considered in selection. Space is limited.
To be considered, sign up for the “Seniors Group.” Selections will made by May 1. Students not selected will automatically be placed in an appropriate BGA class.
Seniors Group instructors: Chris Panfil and Ira Gitlin.
More info: www.MarkPanfil.com
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 the Green Room. Parents may take their seats in the audience. |
| 6:00-6:30pm | BGA Performance on High Meadow Night Stage with Very Special Guests. Congratulations, you made it! |
Sunday
| 10am-2pm | Students are invited to jam at the BGA tent, enjoy Dry Branch Fire Squad’s Gospel Show, and be part of the All-Festival Farewell Band at the Creekside Stage — so bring your instruments! |
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 Saturday’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 bga@greyfoxbluegrass.com
Grey Fox Bluegrass Academy for Kids Registration
