Now Accepting Applications for 2025
* Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 30
* Scholarships include lodging, meals, program activities and access to optional daily activities and recreational equipment. Learn More about the Great Camp Sagamore experience.
Program Overview
Join us for our annual endowed workshop offering young musicians the opportunity to study with well-known Adirondack performers, including: Dan Berggren; Peggy Lynn & Dan Duggan; Sara Milonovich; and John Kirk & Trish Miller.
The Roots & Branches instructors share their deep experience in performing and will share Adirondack music traditions including singing and songwriting, guitar, dulcimer, and other instruments. Participants will explore classic Adirondack music while developing their own style and technique. .
This program is available by application only with a full scholarship available for applicants aged 18-38. Those over the age of 38 may also apply, but will have to cover the cost of food and lodging. Scholarships for this program come from Great Camp Sagamore's Music and Trails Fund. This fund was established by generous supporters to continue the spirit of traditional folk music at Sagamore.
Questions and sound files, if necessary, can be emailed to the Sagamore Programs Department at programs@greatcampsagamore.org.
Program Activities
Skilled Instruction and mentoring by seasoned Adirondack musicians and experienced music educators
Collaboration with fellow participants
Song sharing circles
Instrument clinics
Songwriting
Program Instructors
Dan Berggren
A tradition-based songsmith, Dan Berggren writes with honesty, humor and a strong sense of place. His songs explore the many dimensions of home, hard-working folks, taking care of our planet and each other.
While his roots are firmly in the Adirondacks where he was raised, Dan's music has branched out across many borders. The award-winning educator and musician has entertained audiences from Kentucky to Michigan, Belgium to Bulgaria, and Zimbabwe to Transylvania.
Dan Duggan
Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer and teacher, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. A recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in an excursion of musical styles and moods.
Peggy Lynn
Peggy Lynn, singer, songwriter, author, and educator, brings an infectious enthusiasm to all her endeavors. Peggy ranges from folksy to blues with equal ease, alone or harmonizing with others. With a sultry, yet powerful alto voice, Peggy gives a clear message of the passion underlying her songs. While her style and range give meaning and emotion to all her work, her most powerful message is for the contributions and burdens of women.
Sara Mionovich
Upstate New York singer/songwriter/fiddler Sara Milonovich delivers a heady harvest of heart-stopping original roots rock and alt-Americana gems. Her latest album, Northeast, is packed with atmospheric, powerful pieces, with words that paint poignant, personal scenes, and melodies that linger long after the last listen. Sara, a 2023 Bluebird Golden Pick Winner (Bluebird Cafe/Taylor Guitars) and 2022 Americana Artist of the Year (Capital District Thomas Edison Music Awards), is also a seasoned side musician to such artists as Richard Shindell and Jim Gaudet, and a featured player in the recent smash Broadway musical 'Come From Away’.
John Kirk & Trish Miller
Fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork will be featured from this acoustic duet – John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle mandolin & more, Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides fancy footwork with percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades. They present traditional tunes and witty songs with unique arrangements and warm clear vocals.
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