EMLENTON, Pa. – The Kobzarska Sich Bandura and Vocal Programs give you an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in a Ukrainian musical experience. Whether it’s your first experience picking up a bandura, or you’d like to perfect your technique, our programs allow everyone to hone their skills while creating unforgettable memories.
Founded in 1979, Kobzarska Sich (KS) brings together bandura players from all over the world to learn and share the bandura’s unique art form. KS is held at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Camp in Emlenton, Pa. All Saints offers over 90 acres of pristine beauty in the Allegheny Mountains. The camp’s facilities include volleyball courts, a swimming pool, 10 cabins for participants, a Millennium Cultural Center with housing and classrooms, and exquisite nature trails. KS is sponsored and organized by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America.
As KS’s flagship program, the two-week Bandura Course on August 4 to 18 focuses on over seven hours of daily group instruction in bandura technique, solo and ensemble playing and singing, music lectures, and music theory as needed. Participants have time for sports, swimming, relaxation and lovingly crafted evening activities coordinated by the KS Fun Director. This course is designed for teenagers and for adults of all ages.
The Choral Workshop on August 11 to 18 will feature solo and ensemble singing (a capella and with bandura accompaniment). Participants will have the opportunity to broaden their musical knowledge with music listening lectures and to attend individualized voice lessons. This workshop is designed for older teenagers and adults of all ages.
Our Sacred Music Workshop on August 8 to 11 will focus on presenting an overview of the rich history of Ukrainian liturgical and religious music, singing selections of a wide repertoire of church music, especially those pieces normally not sung in the average parish setting. In addition to the basic curriculum, time is devoted to basic chanting technique and providing participants with an opportunity to hone their conducting skills. This workshop is intended for adults of all ages.
KS offers multiple scholarships through the generosity of the Ivan Zinchuk Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko, the Volodymyr and Vera Murha Scholarship Fund, and the Eugene Ciura and Stefania Krislaty scholarship funds, and from private donor support. Scholarships requests must be received by June 15.
Interested participants are encouraged to enroll early to ensure placement. For more information, scholarship requirements and a registration package, readers should visit our new site at www.banduracamp.org, or call 734-658-6452 or e-mail [email protected].