Bandura Camp
Join us for an immersive week of music and culture designed specifically for beginner musicians ages 10 to 16. This program offers a dedicated space for students to start their journey with the bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument. You will spend the week learning fundamental techniques, building confident performance skills, and fostering a collaborative musical community.
What to Expect
Skill Building: Sessions that cover music essentials, including rhythm and beginning music theory concepts.
Cultural Immersion: Specialized instruction on traditional songs and Ukrainian history
One-on-One Instruction: Daily private lessons that will focus on each camper's individual progress and core techniques.
Ensemble Rehearsals: Daily group workshops that teach musicians to perform as part of a larger bandura ensemble.
Musical Achievement: By the end of the week, campers will be prepared to perform one piece as an individual and two to three group songs in a final showcase.
July 6 - 10:
Philadelphia, PA
9 AM - 5 PM
In partnership with HK School of Bandura
St. Annes Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall
1545 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA 18976
Dropoff: 8:30 - 9 AM
Pickup: 4:30 - 5 PM
June 22 - 26: Chicago, IL
9 AM - 5 PM
In partnership with HK School of Bandura
St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church
300 Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Dropoff: 8:30 - 9 AM
Pickup: 4:30 - 5 PM
About the Director
Nick Smereka-Hladio is a career music educator and multi-instrumentalist dedicated to fostering musical growth in students of all levels. He currently serves as a music teacher within the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio and is completing his Master of Music Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
With a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Duquesne University, Nick’s pedagogical experience is backed by a diverse performance career. He has performed with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, The Pittsburgh Tamburitzans, and has been a member of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America for eight years.
Nick brings extensive administrative and instructional leadership to the camp environment. He previously served as the Artistic Director of the Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp (2024) and as the Director of the Junior Bandura Workshop (2025). His background as a conductor, bassist, and bandurist allows him to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded musical perspective.
FAQs
-
Water bottle
Music Stand and Pencil
Lunch
Bandura unless renting
-
Bandura Camp is designed for ages 10 - 16.
-
Early bird rates:
$450
After June 1:
$500
-
TBD
-
Cancellation must be given in writing via e-mail to woodslifeinfo@gmail.com.
If cancellation notice is given at least six weeks prior to the first day of camp: FULL REFUND (Minus $25 admin. fee)
If cancellation notice if given at least four weeks prior to the first day of camp (but less than six weeks): 50% REFUND (Minus $25 admin fee)
NO REFUNDS will be given within four weeks of the first day of camp or after camp has begun.
If a camper does not follow safety guidelines and is removed from camp, NO REFUND will be issued. Bullying, verbal and physical aggression are not tolerated. We encourage all parents to review the camp descriptions and help to make our camps a safe place for everyone.
In the case of a medical emergency, please contact woodslifeinfo@gmail.com for refund options.
-
While we love spending time with your kiddos, we do not offer after-camp care! There is a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute per child.
-
Bandura rentals are available for camp duration. Return to the registration section of the camp page to add a bandura rental to your cart.
Pickup and Returns will be coordinated through the Director, Nick Smereka-Hladio at nhladio@bandura.org
