Ages 4-7 (or permission from instructor)

Feb 20 & 21, 2025
9am-noon (Cedar)

Welcome Singers! Having Joyful 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.

The “Passport to Joy” theme at Wintergrass this year will send JAMz 1 on a joyride  with songs, folkart (we will record a song to put to a crankie using shadow puppets that we make ourselves), stories and singing games! We will explore traditional songs  about  busses,  cars, airplanes, trains – and you get the picture! We will share 3-4 songs  with you on our last day for a mini-show, and invite you to sing and play along.

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.

 Ages 8-12

Feb 20 & 21, 2025
9am – 4pm (Regency)

JAMz 2 is a two-day, high energy Wintergrass program for kids learning bluegrass, folk, and world music.  Everyone starts somewhere. We love beginners! Don’t have an instrument?  Don’t play anything yet?  We’ve got ya covered with guitars, mandolins, fiddles, banjos and even basses.  Or bring your ukulele, recorder, or bongo drums and, definitely, bring your voice – whatever you have. 

Led by “Professor Tom” Petersen and a host of talented educators from the PNW, and headlined by multi-instrumentalist and creativity guru Joe Craven, kids will explore the inner and outer reaches of creating, responding, connecting, and performance!  They will take part in a musical instrument petting zoo and pick out their favorite things to try.  Students will work in age groups of 2nd to 4th graders and 5th to 7th graders.  All groups will learn a tune or three, learn a dance, form a band, and perform at a closing concert.  (Shy kids don’t have to perform if they don’t want to.)

This year JAMz students will get their “Passport To Joy” stamped with musical influences from around the world. All students are provided video lessons by Mr. Joe (Craven) prior to JAMz so they can practice a bit at home before they arrive. 

Kids of all skill levels are welcome and grouped with others with similar proficiency.  This ensures maximum success and minimal stress.

Ages 13 +

Feb 20 & 21, 2025
10am – 2:30pm (Maple)

tba

Sunday, Feb 23, 2025
9am-5pm Sat (Cedar)

This program is geared for students who are experienced bowed string musicians in high school or college. Students will participate in a day-long orchestra rehearsal with selected lineup artists. Orchestra and JAMz3 students will interact with each other at lunchtime (provided) and at dinner. All students are strongly encouraged to attend as much of the festival as possible when not rehearsing or performing. The program culminates with a Sunday morning performance on the Hyatt Grand Ballroom stage.

Seattle Pacific University Dr. Christopher Hanson serves as the lead conductor for the orchestra. Dr. Hanson also directs the Rainbow City Orchestra, a community music ensemble serving and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in greater Seattle.