Red Wing Academy 2025
Red Wing Academy is hosted by Eric Brubaker of The Steel Wheels as a four-day intensive camp held June 15-18, 2025 at Eastern Mennonite University, leading up to a performance on stage with the band on June 20th at Red Wing Roots Music Festival.
Red Wing Academy is open to non-beginner violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo students ages 5 – 19. Students will receive individual and group instruction from highly trained music teachers and will also be coached by members of The Steel Wheels throughout the week. Daily curriculum will include group classes, mini lessons, improv and jam sessions, technique and tone development, stage performance, electives, recreation, panel discussions, showcases, and more. Each day will close with a camp wide rehearsal to practice for Red Wing performance.
Throughout the 4-day workshop, students will learn several tunes to perform collectively. On Friday, June 20, 2025 the Academy experience will culminate at Red Wing Roots Music Festival with a live, on-stage performance with The Steel Wheels.
Detailed schedule and class descriptions will be announced this spring! Students must be able to commit to the full camp schedule, including all camp days and festival performances.
$350 Early Bird registration deadline: February 7
$375 Registration deadline: March 21 (late registrations will be accepted on a space available basis)
Refunds cannot be given after March 21
Scholarship opportunities are available for qualifying students. Scholarship Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Red Wing Academy Volunteer and Sponsorship opportunities are available in exchange for passes to Red Wing Roots Music Festival, tuition discounts, and other perks. You may also order additional T-shirts for family and friends! Stay updated at redwingroots.com/academy
Red Wing Academy is open to non-beginner violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo students ages 5 – 19. Students will receive individual and group instruction from highly trained music teachers and will also be coached by members of The Steel Wheels throughout the week. Daily curriculum will include group classes, mini lessons, improv and jam sessions, technique and tone development, stage performance, electives, recreation, panel discussions, showcases, and more. Each day will close with a camp wide rehearsal to practice for Red Wing performance.
Throughout the 4-day workshop, students will learn several tunes to perform collectively. On Friday, June 20, 2025 the Academy experience will culminate at Red Wing Roots Music Festival with a live, on-stage performance with The Steel Wheels.
Daily schedule is as follows:
Sunday, June 15, 1:00 – 5:00
Monday, June 16, 9:00 – 3:00
Tuesday, June 17, 9:00 – 3:00
Wednesday, June 18, 9:00 – 3:00
Friday, June 20 – performances with The Steel Wheels at Red Wing Roots Music Festival
A T-shirt and Friday day pass to Red Wing Roots Music Festival is included in your child’s Red Wing Academy tuition. If you wish to upgrade your child’s ticket to a weekend pass, you may do so by paying the difference at camp. Students 12 and under are able to upgrade for free. Family/friends of campers who wish to attend the festival must purchase their own pass at www.redwingroots.com.
Email academy@redwingroots.com
Please consider donating to Red Wing Academy’s scholarship fund. As of 2024, a new nonprofit organization named Red Wing Academy Foundation has been founded to provide financial assistance to attendees in the form of tuition scholarships. Your donations make it possible for everyone to have access to this amazing opportunity!
VISION
We see the old lines between instruction and play dissolving, bringing the spirit of traditional American music into the classroom, and fusing the culture of festivals with expert training in string instruments and live performance.
MISSION
The Academy’s mission is to nurture both the wings and the roots of the newest generation of old time musicians. We provide emerging, student musicians with the skills, talents, and community to go beyond classical training into the culture of improvisational performance and group play, the hallmark of a genre that has always celebrated spontaneity and place as part of its sound and tradition.
