Omelan Helbig Memorial Fund sponsors three bandura students (06/27/04)

Omelan Helbig Memorial Fund sponsors three bandura students

NEWARK, N.J. - The Ukrainain Bandurist Chorus Omelan Helbig Memorial Fund has announced the recipients of scholarships for the Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp in the amount of $1,500, or $500 to each.

Kobzarska Sich, held in Emlenton, Pa., is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year on August 1-15.

Orysia Zaporozan of Winnipeg, has been playing bandura for 15 years. She first started playing with the Manitoba School of Bandura. Over the years, she has taken both private and group lessons, in which emphasis has been placed on expanding her knowledge of Ukrainian music and being able to sing along while playing the bandura. She is currently a member of Zoloti Struny Bandura Ensemble from Winnipeg.

Ms. Zaporozan's experience has allowed her to perform for such dignitaries such as sculptor Leo Mol and the mayor of Lviv. In addition, she has performed alongside the Hoosli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Sara Cholyway, of Warren, Mich., is a 15-year-old junior at Regina High School. She has been studying the bandura for six years and enjoys spreading her Ukrainian culture through music. She has performed at the cultural exhibits at the Ukrainian Sunflower Festival in Warren and at Slavic Day at the University of Michigan. In addition, she has also performed for various school events.

Ms. Cholyway hopes to continue studying music and would like to pass on the great Ukrainian music tradition by teaching others how to play the bandura. She also participates in dramatic and musical theater, plays the oboe in the Notre Dame High School Concert Band, and is a member of the De La Salle Collegiate High School Show Choir and Wigs and Masks Society.

Renee Cholyway, of Warren, Mich., is 13 years old and attends school at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic School. She loves to play the bandura, and strongly believes it ties her closer to her Ukrainian culture. She encourages others to take up the instrument, both because of its challenges and because of its wonderful sound. She not only plays the bandura, but also plays the piano, draws, paints ceramics, makes pysanky, and enjoys all types of sports, such as volleyball, swimming, basketball and running.

Omelan Helbig was a musician who dedicated his life to choral singing at the highest level. After his untimely passing in 2003, his wife and daughters, together with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, created a memorial fund in his honor.

Established in July of 2003 through private donations, the Omelan Helbig Memorial Fund's mission is to assist and subsidize vocal training for promising musicians within the ranks of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, as well as to provide scholarships for participants of the chorus's summer bandura camp, Kobzarska Sich.

Donations can be made by sending checks directly to: Bandurist Chorus - Omelan Helbig Memorial Fund, Self Reliance Credit Union, 734 Sanford Ave., Newark, NJ 07106.

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