Ukrainian folk music groups established in New Paltz

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. - About a 20-minute ride from Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National Association's resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y., some 30 children with their parents are coming together every Monday to play Carpathian music on sopilky and fiddles at the Shepko-Hamilton farm, known as Shawangunk Ridge Farm.

The groups were started on June 12 by Andriy Milavsky a few days after his return from Ukraine with the folk instruments. Most of the sopilky (wooden flutes) were made by a master sopilka-maker in the Hutsul region out of different types of wood, mostly pear and maple.

The members of the younger children's sopilka group range in age from 2 to 5 and they meet at 4:30-5 p.m. The older children, age 6-12, play at 5-6 p.m.

The groups are taught by Mr. Milavsky, who holds a master's degree in music from Kyiv State Conservatory in Ukraine.

Many of the parents and one of the grandparents are showing an interest in joining the ensemble as well.

The fiddle group is run by Halyna Remez, who obtained her degree in music from the Lviv Conservatory and is a third-generation Carpathian Mountain fiddler.

The fiddle players range in age from 9 to over 40. They, too, play on Mondays, at 5-6 p.m.

A third of the children currently enrolled in the lessons are of Ukrainian descent. All involved are full of enthusiasm and the desire to learn more about Ukraine and its culture.

The first public performance of these budding folk musicians will be at the New Paltz Farmers' Market on July 31 at noon.

In addition, a Sopilka, Fiddle and Ukrainian Theater Day Camp for children is planned for August 1-12 at Shawangunk Ridge Farm.

For further information readers may contact Halyna Shepko, one of the organizers of this new folk music program, at (845) 255-5936.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 17, 2005, No. 29, Vol. LXXIII

| Home Page |