Learn to play the bandura, or master Ukraine's national instrument (05/04/03)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Learn to play the bandura, or master Ukraine's national instrument

by Anatoli W. Murha

DETROIT - The bandura - you know that instrument that many Ukrainians have in their homes - is gaining popularity in the music world. Want to learn how to play the bandura? Curious how someone can learn to play 60 strings with only two hands?

If so, come to Emlenton, Pa. for the annual Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp. The highly trained and fun staff will show you how to not only master the instrument, but also have fun doing it. All ages are welcome, and instruction is in both Ukrainian and English.

The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (UBC) has sponsored various bandura camps and workshops throughout North America. Some of the modern-day musicians you see in concert or playing in a band at a zabava are amongst the ranks of attendees. Sich, as those who made Emlenton their home throughout the years, was the brainchild of Hryhory Kytasty - longtime conductor of the UBC, composer and bandura virtuoso.

Because of his initiative, the camp has been home to bandura enthusiasts for two weeks out of the year from all throughout the world - San Diego, Detroit, Toronto, New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and even Ukraine and South America.

You say you don't own a bandura? No problem, you can rent one, then buy one if you enjoy it.

Never played, but are musically inclined? No problem! We have various levels of players, from beginners to intermediates, to advanced.

No excuses!

The camp's musical director is Julian Kytasty. Mr. Kytasty is currently the musical director of the New York School of Bandura; he has worked on various exciting bandura and cultural projects around the globe.

Emlenton is located in the Allegheny Mountains on the Allegheny River. The picturesque campgrounds provide a place to relax, go swimming, or canoeing, play basketball or tennis, walk the nature trails, or just hang out with your friends when you're not playing bandura.

At the end of the two weeks, participants get to perform in a final concert.

Join us August 3-17 in Emlenton. You'll meet interesting people from all directions and make lifelong friends while keeping an ancient cultural tradition alive.

Call Anatoli Murha, camp administrator, at (734) 658-6452; or send an e-mail to [email protected]. or log on to www.bandura.org for more details.

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