Nightly entertainment

Ensemble Belozer'e	St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral Choir	Gypsy Night
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble	Dolina Polish Folk Dancers	Lipa Slovak Folk Dancers

 

Beginning Domra/Youth Domra:  (Charley Rappaport)

This class will focus on the very basic techniques of domra playing: correct playing position, correct usage of the pick or plectrum. Positioning of the left hand on the fret board, and some basics of music reading.  This class will apply to prima, alto and bass domra players.  We'll also learn some simple songs.

 

Pysanky: (Kathleen Nepsha Eich)

Come and learn the beautiful art of decorated Pysanky Easter eggs. Drawn for centuries, the decorated egg is created through a wax resist process with alternate dying of colors. The symbolism on the egg has special meaning to both the person creating it and the person to whom it is given.  Learn about the symbolism, tradition and history of this art while trying your hand at its mastery.  In the sessions, you will be provided with your own Kistka (writing tool), bees' wax and egg. Depending on your level of skill and complication of pattern, you may possibly complete an egg within the sessions.  All dyes, instruction materials and necessary equipment to complete an egg during the sessions will be provided in the class.

 

Chorus: (Sara Ann Pogorely)

Join Sara Ann Pogorely for a musical journey with the Russian Choral Masters and Russian Folk Music. The 2010 BDAA Choral Workshop will focus on the Liturgical music of the early 20th century, as well as collaborate with the BDAA Orchestra for a rendition of "V put' (On the way)". Come with pencils and voices ready!

 

Russian Folk Percussion and Winds: (Göran Rygert)

In three workshops you will become acquainted with Russian percussion instruments such as buben (tambourine), lozhki (spoons), treshchetka (rattle), krugovaya (ratchet rattle), rubel (a ribbed board), ladoshka and khlopushka (clappers), woodsticks, sleighbells, and rogaz (can't be described - you have to come and see it!).  We will also play on Russian wind instruments such as svirel', zhaleika, rozhok, dvadensivka, ocarina, and more.  Together with a bayanist we will work on and maybe perform a well-known Russian melody that will include easy parts for different wind and percussion instruments.  If you own any Russian percussion or wind instrument, please bring it to the workshop!  You do not need to read music to attend. Everyone is welcome!  But if you read music, please bring your music stand.

 

Recreational Folk Dancing: (Jan Rygert & Liz Nunan)

Recreational folk dancing will be a causal, fun class teaching easy folk dances from Serbia, Croatia, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Romania, and other Eastern European locales.  Most of these dances will be played at the evening parties so that you can participate.  The dances will include easy line and circle dances, some novelty and interesting dances and some surprises.  Bring your comfy dancing shoes, a small hankie, and a large loose belt for the line dances.  No experience required except your two feet!  Please come and join us to learn these dances, stay fit at the convention and wear off all that beer you will be drinking and lose some weight!

 

Meaning and Demonstration of Russian Costume:  (Elena Kallevig)

The costume of peasants of not only every region, but also every village of Russia had specific features that identified the origin and the social status of the wearer.  Elena Kallevig will talk about the history and meaning of Russian costumes, illustrating her presentation with the examples of the unique hand-made costumes form the RCC “Russian Soul” collection and personal collections of the RCC members.

 

Russian Ritual Dolls And Their Meaning: (Elena Kallevig)

Dolls were an important part of the everyday life of Russian peasants and were lifetime companions to women, and, in certain cases, to men. They were part of ceremonies, life transition events, seasonal festivals, and were seen as protectors, helpers, and healers. The art of making dolls is being revived in Russia now. Elena Kallevig will describe the main categories of the dolls, the meaning and philosophy behind this ancient art, and demonstrate examples of the Russian Ritual dolls. Instructor’s website.

 

Audio Production/Sound Equipment:  (Dick Rees)

This class will present an overview of sound system application from input to output with emphasis on real-world conditions.  This will include techniques for musicians as well as those tasked with mixing.  Questions from participants are encouraged.  

 

Children’s Instrument:  (See beginning balalaika or beginning domra class description above).

 

Children’s Russian Folk Arts & Crafts ("Russian Cultural Center Russian Soul") (Elena Kallevig)

Teachers of the after-school program “Istok” from the Russian Cultural Center “Russian Soul” will offer classes to children on ancient Slavic arts, crafts, & games. It is a chance to learn former pre-Christian ritual games “Rucheek” (Spring) and “Karavay” (Loaf of bread) – now well-known and loved Russian kids’ pastimes; make one’s own Kalechina-malechina and find out what you can do with it; discover pre-Cyrillic Slavic Alphabet and make a necklace-amulet with a Slavic rune; and study the secrets of ritual doll-making. Activities will be tailored to the age level of the majority of the attendees. We suggest that children under 5 are accompanied with an older sibling or an adult. Instructor’s website.

 

Children’s Folk Dance:  (Lora Ciganko Balach)

A selection of Slavic ethnic dances will be learned during this workshop. All participants are invited to perform these dances during the July 17 performance with members of the Carpathy Children's Folk Dance Ensemble. Please wear comfortable exercise clothing and tennis shoes during the workshop.

 

Rhythmic Accompaniment:  (Judy Sherman) Inaugural class this year.

Alto and prima balalaika players: electrify the world of rhythmic accompaniment beyond traditional offbeats. Expand your repertoire of pick and non-pick right-hand styles and left-hand chord positions. Discuss remedies for finger pain. Learn to play while standing! Learn to grimace and make the audience think your parts are incredibly difficult! Although this class' focus will be on experienced players, it will not emphasize written music. There will be guest instructors who will take what you know and turn you into a pro.

 

Zakuski making:  (Sandy Kasura)

            As always, Sandy, along with her elite team will be preparing delectables for our legendary “Steve Wolownik Memorial Zakuski (hors-d'œuvres) Night”.  Zakuski will be prepared on Thursday. If you are interested in helping Sandy and crew, see Sandy during the week. 

 

Jammeister: (Charley Rappaport)

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