May 3, 2019

Connect with the music of the bandura

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Oksana Rodak

Participants of the 2018 ODUM Bandura Camp at their final concert.

The Association of American Youth of Ukrainian Descent (known by the Ukrainian-based acronym ODUM) has held summer camps for over 50 years. ODUM offers several camp experiences: counselor camp, recreational camp, sports camp and bandura camp.

Last year, over 25 children from Canada and America attended bandura camp on the picturesque grounds of the Ukraina Country Club near the city of London, Ontario. Under the hard-working and professional guidance of directors Oksana Rodak, Oles Petliura and members of the Canadian Bandurist Capella, children learned how to play the bandura. 

They also had the opportunity to meet other Ukrainian children, practice their Ukrainian language skills, learn about Ukrainian history, and learn Ukrainian songs. Children also had time for sports, games, swimming, a talent show and a bonfire; they had fun enjoying the summer weather. 

After a week-long study of the instrument, a wonderful concert was presented. Campers’ parents and the local community had the opportunity to hear the national anthem of Ukraine, the Ukrainian folk songs “Doshchyk,” “Dyvnaya Novyna” and “Vzyav by ya Banduru,” and the modern classic “Chervona Ruta.” 

The audience was deeply moved by the sincere performance of the song “Let’s Sing a Song about Ukraine” (“Zaspivaymo Pisniu za Ukrainu”) by Alexander Ponomariov. The soul of Ukraine was heard on the strings of the bandura.

History has shown us that you can take everything away from Ukrainians except their will for freedom and their song. Together, let’s cherish the unique achievements of our people – our bandura and our songs.

If you want your children to grow up and feel the true Ukrainian spirit of the bandura, then join the summer camps of ODUM. Bandura camp awaits new bandura players.

This summer Bandura Camp will run from July 7 to July 14. For more information please contact Oksana Rodak at [email protected].

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