youth music Education programs &
wintergrass festival Orchestra
We believe price should never be a barrier, especially for eager students. All Wintergrass Youth Education programs follow the pay-what-you-can model. All programs also have associated costs, which are generally not covered by registration income. When registering your student for any of these programs you will find suggested pricing from zero, to the standard cost, and then beyond to providing extra support if you can. We are grateful to every parent, grandparent and person willing to shower a bit of love on the next generation of musicians.
We thank Amazon.com for supporting all our education programs.
PINTGRASS
Pintgrass is designed for grades Pre-K to 1 (or permission from instructor)
Feb 18 & 19, 2027
9am-noon (Cottonwood)
Registration INCLUDES a full 4-day pass to the festival
Having Fun with Music is our main objective – Beginning instrumentalists (kids that optionally bring a working uke, or any other instrument you play) will be able to accompany at least 1 song (one chord, C7) as well as 2-3 chord songs according to existing skill set. Traditional singing games, folk art and more! Ages 4 through first grade or permission by instructor
Please bring:
Water bottle
Snack
About the instructor:
Sandy Buchner has been a pre school and elementary music teacher in Seattle since 1995, as well as a working musician and puppeteer.
Youth academy/teen academy/yatt
Feb 18 & 19, 2027
9am-4pm (Evergreen)
Registration INCLUDES a full 4-day pass to the festival
Whether you’ve never held a stringed instrument before, or you’ve been picking for years, there’s fun and growth for all as we sing and dance, learn new tunes and make new friends as we work our way toward a grand finale on the Evergreen stage.
Youth Academy, ages 7 to 11: Age-and experience-appropriate instruction and activities for those embarking on their musical journey.
Teen Academy, ages 12 to 16: For middle-and high-schoolers looking to get in on the fun in a safe, encouraging environment, and more seasoned players looking for a place to expand musically.
High School Band Lab
High School Band Lab is a program for high schoolers.
Feb 19 & 20, 2027
10am-2pm
Registration INCLUDES a full 4-day pass to the festival
High School Band Lab is for young adult musicians of *any* musical background to meet and collaborate with peers in a supported, guided environment. Participants will be matched with other high schoolers into bands with similar genre interests, and mentored by professional musicians to put together a culminating performance.
Interest or experience with bluegrass is not necessary, as this is not a bluegrass-specific program. (Those who are interested in bluegrass specifically will be matched with peers and mentors who share that interest.) All acoustic musicians are welcome, including those who play winds or brass instruments, or are primarily vocalists.
We’ll also explore basic improvisation skills, as well as the fundamentals of using stage sound equipment, so your sound engineer help you perform your best.
High School Band Lab is led by Kat Bula, a prolific fiddler, guitarist, songwriter and music educator. She will be supported by a team of other equally fabulous teaching artists TBA.
wintergrass festival orchestra
Saturday, Feb 20, 2027 tba (rehearsal, Cedar)
Sunday, Feb 21, 2027 (performance, Grand Ballroom)
Registration INCLUDES a full 4-day pass to the festival
This program is designed for ALL musicians who are experienced bowed string players from age 10 and beyond. Member of the orchestra will participate in a full weekend of clinics and performance which include rehearsals, Q&A with our collaborative artists, workshop with our WFO faculty, sectionals, lunch and dinner. This year we are thrilled to be collaborating with Dean Johnson, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, and Fog Holler.
A detailed schedule will be sent to all orchestra members. The orchestra schedule will not allow for students to participate in other youth ed programs but will allow for participation in the festival. In fact, when not rehearsing or performing orchestra participants are strongly encouraged to attend as much of the festival as possible.
Wintergrass is a production of Acoustic Sound, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. EIN: 91-2103544