Registration is Open

Sponsored by Martin Guitar

June 12-14, 2026

Since 2005, the Wind Gap Academy for Kids (BGA) has taught kids to play, sing, and perform bluegrass music on-site at the festival. The free three-day program consists of guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, dobro, and cello instruction; group sessions; harmony singing; and guest appearances by musicians performing at Wind Gap. The grand finale is a ‘Graduation Gig’ Sunday afternoon on the Main Stage. Approximately 25 kids participate each year. They have fun, learn new skills, grow in confidence and make friends that can last a lifetime.

We are committed to keeping traditional bluegrass alive by passing it on to the upcoming generation through education.

BGA Staff

For 2026, the Academy is led by Sarah Larsen. Sarah is a dynamic educator and versatile musician whose career spans classical, jazz, bluegrass, and contemporary styles. With extensive formal training and a rich performance background, she brings both technical depth and creative flexibility to her teaching. As a sought-after clinician and private instructor, Sarah creates a supportive, inspiring environment where students of all levels can grow and find lasting joy in music.

Assisting Sarah are two of her Black-Eyed Suzies bandmates, Molly Hebert-Wilson and Colinda Blankenship!

Molly Hebert-Wilson has a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied Musical Theater at the CAP 21 program. Since then, she has worked as an actress, musician, singer, voice teacher, and vocal coach for over a decade. Molly’s vocal styles range from classical to powerhouse belting, and as a performer she imbues Irish, French and English language songs with character, expression, and depth. Currently she sings and plays bass in the Philadelphia area and beyond with Rare Spirits, Mist Covered Mountains, and Valentina Sounds (former bands include The Waysties, Eli August and the Abandoned Buildings, and Sparkle Pony).

Colinda Blankenship is a banjo player, rhythm guitar player, and vocalist from the Maryland - Pennsylvania area. With a foundation in old-time, she's been playing bluegrass for the past 8 years and plays banjo with the "Black-Eyed Suzies," and "Hayden Shaw & This Side of Pleasant.” 

Instruments

We welcome traditional bluegrass instruments: fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass. While about a year of playing experience is preferred due to the group learning setting, we value maturity, willingness to learn, and participation above all. And of course, singing is welcome.

Students will also join in singing melodies and harmonies every day.

BGA Schedule (subject to change)

FRIDAY— ORIENTATION

6:00-6:30 pm Sign in and be in seats by 6:30.
6:30 pm General orientation for all students. Bring your instruments! You will be playing the first night!

SATURDAY — CLASSES
10:00-Noon Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice
Noon-1:30 pm Lunch with your family
1:30-3:30 pm Harmony Singing, Sectional Instruction & Ensemble Practice

SUNDAY — GETTING READY FOR THE BIG GIG!
10:00-11:30 Rehearse, Certificates, Class Photo, etc.
11:30-12:30 pm Lunch with your family
12:45 Meet Backstage

1:00 Perform on the Main Stage

Song Selections


Program Requirements

Before enrolling, please be sure your child:

  1. Can attend classes all three days, from Friday night’s orientation through Sunday’s Main Stage performance.

  2. Will have an instrument for all sessions, including orientation.

  3. 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 A, D, and E chords and change comfortably between chords.

Recommendations

  1. BGA is designed for kids aged 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 space allows.

  2. We recommend that students bring a tuner to classes with them, either an electronic tuner, tuning fork, or pitch pipe.

  3. Guitar, dobro, and banjo students should also bring a capo suitable for their instrument.

Registering Your Child

  1. Registration begins on end of February.

  2. There is no charge to participate in the academy.

  3. Kids 15 and under are admitted free with a ticketed parent or guardian. Please visit our TICKET PAGE to purchase tickets.

  4. To register your child for BGA, click the registration link at the top of this page (available by end of February), fill in all questions, and click “Submit” ONCE.

  5. Many of you will want to know what the BGA tunes will be this year. Links are posted on Sarah Larsen’s website by May 1.

Thank you!

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