Thank you!
Kobzarska Sich wouldn't be possible without the generous support from our sponsors. We are grateful and fortunate to have friends that provide both organizational support and financial assistance with donations to underwrite our annual operations and scholarship fund support.
We invite you to support Kobzarska Sich. Over time, KS has become an incubator of bandura artistry. An exchange of ideas and international musicianship has prevailed for over four decades. Your annual donation will underwrite tuition costs and help us bring together some of the most talented bandura instructors from around the world.
MAJOR SPONSORS ($5,000+)
SPONSORS ($1,000-$4,999)
DONORS ($100-$999)
SUPPORTERS
Scholarships
Michelle Schidowka Memorial Fund
Michelle Ann Bycko Schidowka devoted her life to Ukrainian music, dance, and culture, with a special passion for the bandura and Kobzarska Sich. Michelle’s bandura journey started as a young student at the Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland School of Bandura, where she later became an instructor. She attended several bandura camps and workshops, one of which was Kobzarska Sich, first as a student, then an instructor, and later as camp director. Kobzarska Sich was also where she met her husband, Nick (Mykola), and where her children, Alex (Sashko) and Sophie, continue her legacy as participants and now instructors. Michelle passed away on September 10, 2018, after a short battle with cancer. Established with the support of her family, the Michelle Schidowka Memorial Scholarship Fund honors her life by providing future children and students the opportunity to experience the music, community, and beauty of the bandura at Sich.
Ivan (John) Zinchuk Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko
Ivan Zinchuk devoted his life to Ukrainian song and culture in Alberta and beyond. A member of the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton for 20 years, he served on its executive and was also deeply involved with the Ukrainian Dnipro Ensemble of Edmonton, helping organize concerts and tours. Ivan sang with Schola Cantorum and its ensemble AXIOS, served as a church choir soloist at St. Josaphat Cathedral in Edmonton, and was a soloist with the internationally renowned Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC). Ivan passed away on November 4, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Established with the support of the Zinchuk family, the scholarship in his memory supports young, aspiring musicians who share his love for Ukrainian culture and dedication to Ukrainian song.
Stefania Krislatyj Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Stefania Krislatyj was a beloved member of the Ukrainian community in Cleveland, Ohio, devoted to her family and to Ukrainian song and culture. Stefania was a longtime supporter of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC), and her sons Zenon and Ihor have been dedicated members of the Chorus for many years. After her passing in 2015, the Krislaty family requested that memorial donations be used to support aspiring bandura enthusiasts at Kobzarska Sich, helping future generations experience the music and community she cared so deeply about.
Vera and Wolodymyr Murha
Scholarship Fund
In recognition of their many years of devoted support to the bandura community, an anonymous donor established this scholarship in honor of Vera and Wolodymyr Murha. Wolodymyr’s connection to the bandura began through his studies with Petro Kytasty and later as a musician with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC). Many know Vera from her constant presence at UBC concerts and specifically behind the table as the merchandise ambassador on behalf of the ensemble. For more than three decades, Vera and Wolodymyr have traveled together in support of the UBC and Kobzarska Sich, exemplifying steadfast commitment to the preservation and sharing of the bandura tradition. They currently reside in the Detroit, Michigan area.
Vasyl (Bill) Buksa Memorial Scholarship Fund
Vasyl (Bill) Buksa, a devoted member of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor in the Windsor/Detroit area, dedicated his life to Ukrainian music, culture, and community. Introduced to the bandura in the mid-1960s under the guidance of Yevhen Ciura, he quickly became a front-row leader in the parish’s youth ensemble and was admired for his rich bass voice. As one of the “Windsor boys” brought into the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC) in the 1970s, Bill participated in numerous concert tours, including the 1980 Australian tour, and remained a committed member for decades, later focusing on singing in the bass section. Though his career briefly took him overseas, he returned to Windsor and rejoined the chorus, continuing to share his passion until his passing in 2014. Known not only for his musical talent but also for his warmth, spirit, and deep love of community, Bill left a lasting impression as a husband, father, and friend. In his memory, the church renamed its annual golf tournament in his honor, with proceeds supporting future generations of bandurists through Kobzarska Sich, and a scholarship established in his name continues to nurture young musicians, ensuring that his legacy of cultural pride and musical passion lives on.