WASHINGTON – Individuals who are looking for ways to support Ukraine and celebrate Ukrainian culture can do so right here in North America. Kobzarska Sich, a summer music camp devoted to learning bandura and Ukrainian music, which is held every summer at All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pa., will take place this year from August 7-20.
Founded in 1979, Kobzarska Sich brings together bandura players from all over the world to learn and share the bandura’s unique art form.
All Saints offers over 90 acres of pristine beauty in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. The camp’s facilities include volleyball courts, a swimming pool, 10 cabins for participants, a Millennium Cultural Center with housing and activity rooms and exquisite nature trails.
Sponsored by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, this bandura camp is one of the best ways individuals can support Ukrainian music – by making music.
This year’s camp will feature two 2-week programs led by the camp’s music director, Mykola Deychakiwsky.
The first program, the Bandura Workshop, is meant for bandura players in all skill levels, from first timers to advanced players. In individuals who play other instruments are also encouraged to bring them. The focus of this workshop will be on individual and small group skills, as well as performances.
The second program, the Folksinging and Folklore Workshop, is meant for individuals who are curious about Ukrainian folk-style singing. It will feature the folklorist and ethnomusicologist Iryna Voloshyna, who will lead instructional sessions. The workshop will feature everything from group singing to listening sessions to learning about Ukrainian folk arts.
All participants will have the opportunity to broaden their musical knowledge with music listening lectures and attend individualized voice lessons.
Nestled in the stunningly beautiful Allegheny River Valley, Kobzarska Sich will give participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique musical experience while creating unforgettable memories.
The camp also 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. Scholarship requests should be received by June 15.
Individuals who are interested in attending the camp are encouraged to enroll early to ensure they have a spot. For more information, scholarship requirements and a registration package, readers may visit www.banduracamp.org. Individuals who have questions may contact Anatoli Murha or Mykola Murskyj at admin@banduracamp.org. Campers age 12 and older are encouraged to register by June 15.