Bandura Camp
Open to students ages 12–18
July 28 – August 10 2024
at All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pennsylvania
Learn to play bandura!
The flagship program of Kobzarska Sich since its inception in 1979, this two-week musical experience focuses on establishing proper bandura technique and playing through group instruction, individual attention, and participation in ensembles.
Holistic education
Participants will also develop their singing skills during the Kobzarska Sich mixed ensemble evening rehearsals, male/female ensembles, with vocal warm-ups, and develop their musical skills with eurhythmics exercises and music theory assistance. Attend daily presentations related to bandura, Ukrainian music, folk traditions, and kobzarstvo (the ritual of the kobzars, the first bandura players).
Fun in the sun
Participants have time for sports, swimming, relaxation, and fun-crafted evening activities coordinated by our counselor staff. From evening bonfires to volleyball tournaments, KS is an excellent place to experience the great outdoors.
Julian kytasty
2024 Lead Bandura Instructor
Julian Kytasty grew up within a strong tradition of family music-making. He is a third generation bandurist following in the footsteps of his father Petro and grandfather Ivan Kytasty. He has directed bandura ensembles that have had an enduring impact on the bandura in North America: the New York School of Bandura and Homin Stepiv Ensemble, Experimental Bandura Trio and collaborated with Alexis Kochan and Paris to Kyiv. He has worked frequently with Yara Arts Group creating and performing music for theatre pieces, poetry performances, and festivals. His work on Yara’s 1917-2017 Tychyna, Zhadan, and the Dogs earned him a NY Innovative Theater award for best original score. He was involved with Kobzarska Sich since its inception in 1979, and served as music director almost every year from 1990-2007. He continues to teach bandura to a new generation of students in North America and Ukraine, to record, to compose and arrange music for bandura, and to engage in collaborative projects. In the last ten years, he has focused on exploring the vast possibilities of the kharkiv-style bandura as an instrument for the 21st century.
Sample Schedule *
8am
Breakfast
9am
Group Instruction
11am
Eurythmics and
Vocal Exercises
12pm
More Group Instruction
1pm
Lunch
2pm
Free time -
Pool, Volleyball, etc.
4pm
Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal
6pm
Dinner
7pm
General Ensemble Rehearsal
9pm
Evening Activity - Campfire, Games, etc.
*subject to change
