Monday, July 24 - Wednesday, July 26
Bluegrass Camp for Kids
Presented by Memorial Medical Center
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from the Pros!
Youngsters - join us at the Tent for 3 days of pickin' and grinnin' with master musicians and stars of the Blue Canvas Orchestra! We will explore the rich music and singing traditions of Bluegrass and Southern Appalachian culture in a variety of classes taught by professional performing / recording musicians who are acknowledged experts in their field. Geared toward youth ages 7-17, Camp will cover lessons on guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass, mandolin, and singing & songwriting. Both individual and group participation will be part of this experience, with fun for everyone at all levels from total beginner through advanced. You'll even get to form your own band!
Youngsters - join us at the Tent for 3 days of pickin' and grinnin' with master musicians and stars of the Blue Canvas Orchestra! We will explore the rich music and singing traditions of Bluegrass and Southern Appalachian culture in a variety of classes taught by professional performing / recording musicians who are acknowledged experts in their field. Geared toward youth ages 7-17, Camp will cover lessons on guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass, mandolin, and singing & songwriting. Both individual and group participation will be part of this experience, with fun for everyone at all levels from total beginner through advanced. You'll even get to form your own band!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER 2023!
Click below to be redirected to the registration portal.
*We are currently at capacity for this summer, however we are still accepting registrations for the wait list.
Click below to be redirected to the registration portal.
*We are currently at capacity for this summer, however we are still accepting registrations for the wait list.
Course Offerings
Each camper should choose two instruments they would like to study, plus one alternate. We will make every effort to get you into the class you request. All students will also participate in a "band jam" class where everyone comes together to work up songs with their fellow campers. On the third and final day of camp, campers will perform together for friends and family.
Each student should select their two top choices, and one alternate.
BANJO 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
BASS 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
FIDDLE 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
GUITAR 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
MANDOLIN 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
SINGING & SONGWRITING (All Levels)
Each camper should choose two instruments they would like to study, plus one alternate. We will make every effort to get you into the class you request. All students will also participate in a "band jam" class where everyone comes together to work up songs with their fellow campers. On the third and final day of camp, campers will perform together for friends and family.
Each student should select their two top choices, and one alternate.
BANJO 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
BASS 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
FIDDLE 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
GUITAR 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
MANDOLIN 1, 2, 3 (Beginner to Advanced)
SINGING & SONGWRITING (All Levels)
A Typical Day at Camp
|
9:30
10:00 10:30 11:15 11:30 12:15 1:00 1:45 2:30 3:00 |
(First Day Only) Check-in & Registration
Morning Activity: Learn About the History of Bluegrass Lesson Block 1 Snack Break Group Activity Session Lunch Break Lesson Block 2 Jam Band Sessions Afternoon Activity (Monday & Tuesday Only) End Time (Wednesday) Final Concert for Parents |
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ABILITY LEVEL SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR?
Guess your best on the class level. The instructors will be able to tell what instruction you need to progress. If the class is too easy, we will advance you to the correct level. There will be opportunity for individual instruction within the course of the day as well.
DO I NEED TO HAVE MY OWN INSTRUMENT?
We encourage everyone to bring their own instrument if they have access to one. If you have access to an additional instrument that would like to own for use during camp, please let us know on your registration form.
I DON'T OWN AN INSTRUMENT? CAN I BORROW ONE? SHOULD I RENT ONE?
Understandably, many children may not have those instruments readily at hand. We will have instruments available on site for campers to use during the course of camp.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS GIVEN TO STUDENTS?
Bluegrass Camp will provide a songbook for each student that you will be able to keep. It includes bluegrass and folk tunes appropriate for levels from beginning to advanced. It may be helpful for each student to bring a recording device if you have one to record lessons and performances.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND BLUEGRASS DAY CAMP?
Registrations submitted before July 5th will qualify for early bird pricing of $150 per camper. Registrations submitted after July 5th will be $175 per camper. Once we receive and process your registration, we will send out information regarding payment.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
We want to ensure that every camper can afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a scholarship to help cover registration fees, please contact our camp administrator at gina@bigtop.org with the subject line "Bluegrass Camp Scholarship Request."
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Once your registration has been submitted and processed, camp administrators will reach out to you regarding payment. Accepted payment methods are check, cash, Visa, or MasterCard.
ARE MEALS PROVIDED?
Campers should bring their own bagged lunch. Bluegrass camp does not provide lunch, however bottled water and light snacks are provided daily. If your camper has any allergies or dietary requirements, please indicate so in the registration form.
IS BLUEGRASS CAMP A SLEEPAWAY CAMP?
Bluegrass is a Day Camp that runs over the course of 3 days. Big Top Chautauqua does not provide accommodations for campers. For families visiting from out of town, find places to stay near Big Top here.
IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED FOR CAMPERS?
Parents & guardians are responsible for arranging transportation for their camper(s) to and from the tent. Please be aware, public transportations options to the tent are limited during weekdays.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
For additional questions, please contact camp administrator Gina Nagro, at gina@bigtop.org.
