A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...
Strains of bandura music to echo across camps in Canada and United States
by Natalia Bulawka, Larysa Fedoriw,
Anatoli Murha and Mykola Schidowka
LIVONIA, Mich. - Across the lush grounds of London, Ontario, and Emlenton, Pa., one can hear the sounds of the melodic harmony of banduras playing. These sounds indicate camps in progress, where Americans and Canadians, young and old, gather together to live their Ukrainian culture, and discover their roots in traditional Ukrainian music.
By attending one, or both, of the two bandura camps offered, consisting of two-week sessions, participants have the opportunity to not only play a new, unique instrument, but also to learn everything they could ever want to know about the bandura, about Ukrainian culture, and much more.
Kobzarska Sich takes place on the beautiful grounds of All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church Camp in Emlenton, Pa., while Bandura Camp Ukraina is held at the picturesque Ukraina Vacation Resort Inc. in London, Ontario.
This summer, on July 25-August 7, Ukraina will be holding its 18th camp since 1980, celebrating over 19 years of service to the Ukrainian community.
The 16th camp since 1979, celebrating over 20 years at Kobzarska Sich, will take place on August 8-22.
As in past years, each camp will culminate in a grand concert of traditional Ukrainian vocal-instrumental music held on the last day of the two-week session, during which students of all ability levels will have the opportunity to show what they have learned.
Videos and CD's of past camp concerts are a great memento of the weeks spent at either camp, and are available after camp to give students a true sense of accomplishment. The Bandura Camp CD's and videos are available for purchase; proceeds support bandura educational programs.
The attendees range in age from 13 to 65 and older at Kobzarska Sich, age 7 years and up at Ukraina, and vary in their bandura proficiency and vocal training.
Lack of a bandura is not a problem, as rental can be arranged for the duration of camp. Language also is not a barrier as all instruction at the camps is in Ukrainian and English. The goal of both camps is to provide a relaxed, educational setting that fosters a desire to learn and meet other musically minded Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus has provided, and continues to provide financial assistance. Individual members of the chorus volunteer their time and talents to both camps. In addition, there are also situations that call for instructors that are outside the local bandura community.
Highly qualified staff members provide an environment that nurtures an ability to quickly learn the basics of playing this unique instrument. The camps provided the late Maestro Hryhory Kytasty's never-ending talent pool with new generations of bandurists for the world-famous Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of Detroit. The well-known ensemble draws in fresh talent year after year, and its artistic achievements never seem to ebb. Many current members had their start at the two camps.
Beside working with outstanding musicians of our time, attendees at both bandura camps will have the opportunity to meet Maestro Oleh Mahlay, the artistic and musical director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.
Playing bandura and singing are not the only activities on the agenda. Many excellent facilities exist for sporting and recreational activities during the off-hours at both campsites. There are endless possibilities for relaxing such as canoeing, paddle-boating, swimming, or playing various sports such as volleyball, baseball or basketball. In addition, evening activities include campfires, dances and games.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared by an excellent kitchen staff, is nourishing and delightfully appetizing. Comfortable cabins and beds, well-tended grounds, up-to-date recreational equipment, and a modern and acoustically balanced concert hall make the two-week stay at either camp a truly memorable experience.
Because they draw from all over the United States and Canada, as well as Latin America, Europe and Ukraine, these camps provide opportunities for new friendships that span the globe.
For details, contact:
Information is available also on the website http://www.execulink.com/~odum/bandura.htm.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, May 2, 1999, No. 18, Vol. LXVII
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