CHAIKA's mandate and goal is to bring together musicians who have instrumental music knowledge and skills in order to audition, rehearse and play Ukrainian-theme music in a string, wind and folk orchestral ensemble.

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The players must be able to read music notation and must have at least two to three years of experience playing their musical instrument and must have a good knowledge and respectable command of their instrument.

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The ensemble instrumentation consists of various combinations of Ukrainian folk instruments (tsymbaly, sopilka, trembita, bayan, bandura), string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, mandolin), woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone), brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, baritone) and rhythm section instruments (piano, keyboard, accordion, bass, guitar), and a percussion section.

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CHAIKA performs a broad range of arrangements of Ukrainian Traditional Folk, Ritual, Seasonal, Classical, Popular and Contemporary selections. CHAIKA's repertoire is scored as three, or more, part ensemble and orchestral arrangements based on Ukrainian themes and genres.

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CHAIKA was formed in 2001 and has since performed at many community functions and for notable personalities. Over the years many players have performed with the CHAIKA Concert Ensemble. CHAIKA provides players with a great opportunity to use their tremendous skills, to meet and work with a network of other musicians, in a non-competitive situation, and to experience Ukrainian music in a larger orchestral setting.

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