ST. NICHOLAS JUNIOR TAMBURITZANS
On
a hot, humid Tuesday night in late July 1970, seven boys and twelve girls
gathered together in the church auditorium not knowing what to expect.
Many of them were there simply because they had to be there. Now
what were the grownups planning? A tamburitza group was being formed.
After months and months of searching and many times being on the verge
of giving up, we had found someone willing to take on the job of teaching.
It would not be easy, because the majority of the children had no formal
music background. Everyone that had any knowledge at all about our
music was contacted about taking on this task. The answers were varied,
but they all boiled down to the same thing, “Sorry, but I can’t do it.”
Just as we were ready to give up, John Shiprak, known to all of us as “Shippy,”
finally agreed to give it a try.
The road had been long, and we had many obstacles to overcome. The
first was to get instruments. The original kolo group had an orchestra
that accompanied them. They had five instruments which were turned
over to us as the group was no longer in existence. Then started
the job of rounding up additional instruments. We had located a man
by the name of Bill Cvetnic to make the additional instruments we needed,
but until they were finished we had to have something. We tried to
buy used ones. Fortunately Mrs. Slokas sold us her late husband’s
bass and brac; Sam Radanovich lent us his brac; Helen Miscevich lent us
a brac; Dolores Breski, a bugaria; and Shippy was able to borrow a few
more. We were finally able to start moving. For over a year,
the instruments had to be shared. One student would have it for the
first part of the lesson, and then it was turned over to someone else for
the last half of the practice session. They alternated taking the
instruments home to practice. It was not until late May of 1971 that
everyone had an instrument of their own.
The second problem was financing. This was solved when the Mothers’
Club took on the responsibility of sponsoring the tamburitzans. To
finance this undertaking dances have been held periodically the last two
years.
The third obstacle was maintaining the interest of the children.
Their ages range from two to eighteen, so we have had to compete with other
activities. Many times school activities have had to take priority
over practice sessions. The boys are engaged in all types of athletic
activities, and some of our members are in their school bands. In
spite of this, we have only lost three members.
To those of us that have worked with this venture, we have watched a dream
take form and grow. That dream was of someday seeing our boys and
girls performing on our stage. It is more than just a group of youngsters
learning to play the music of our people, it is a source of satisfaction
seeing them together because in the name of progress and our people have
scattered all over this area. No longer do our homes encircle the
church. If it weren’t for activities such as the kolo and tamburitza
groups, our children would not be as close as they are. We feel that,
if we are to preserve our heritage, this is one way of doing it; i.e.,
in the songs and dances of our ancestors that tell the story of our people.
This is the special something that binds us together. This great
abiding love for what is ours.(1)
THIRTY-TWO YEARS LATER, A NEW GROUP
IS FORMED—MUSIC CONTINUES AT
ST. NICHOLAS
As a member of the former St. Nicholas Tammies, Nadine Klipa wanted to
share what they had learned with interested students of our present day
Church School.
It was a difficult decision since she was involved with the church in other
capacities. Then she met Mark Milanovich. Mark comes from a
talented family of musicians. Their talents were passed on to him.
So in the summer of 2002, Nadine approached him to see if he would be willing
to become head director of the tambura group with her as his assistant.
He enthusiastically agreed!
Letters were sent to families whose children ranged from grades 4 through
12. Their first year has been comprised of an eager group of six
young men who refer to themselves as “The
St. Nicholas Junior Tamburitzans.” Lazar
Nikolic on both brac and violin; Jimmy Werner
on both prim and violin; Collin Gruin on both
prim and violin; Robert Lambrix on brac; Christopher
Lambrix on bugaria; and Max Gruin on
bass.
Mark and Nadine are hoping that this group continues to grow and that their
playing will inspire others to join them. (Even though some of them
have said they like the group as it is—all guys.}
The St. Nicholas Junior Tamburitzans would like to thank the Serbian-American
Civic and Educational Club for giving them money to get some of the instruments
repaired. And special thanks to the parents for bringing and encouraging
their children to play and learn the songs and dances of their forefathers.
Hats off to Mark and his patience. Without him this program would
not be possible.
ZIVELI NA MNOGAJA LJETA!!!
Reference:
(1) From program booklet of the St. Nicholas Junior
Tammies, Debut Concert, May 14, 1972.
TAMBURA EVENTS