The Newsletter for friends and members of OHFS inside Vol. 14, Issue No. 2, Spring 2008 this issue… Orpheus Debuts Revamped Music Ensemble 1-2

Winter Dance Conference in Tarpon Springs 3

Choral Singing and Folk Dancing: The Connection 4 Orpheus Debuts Revamped Music Ensemble Preserving our Heritage and Culture The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society is their own skills by learning Greek folk in Our Children 5 proud to announce the debut of its newly music pieces, came pretty easily. Music revamped music ensemble. The group group violinist, Danielle, comments, Spotlight 4-5 was formed in September of 2007 and is “I’ve been part of several orchestras and comprised of youth and adult members, chamber groups, but this is the first time Picture Gallery 7 featuring a wide array of instruments and I’ve been in a music group that’s focused on a large repertoire of musical selections. Greek music. I enjoy learning about Greek Future Performances 8 Folk music - I’ve never gotten the chance to Originally, the Orpheus music ensemble learn or play it before. I love being able to was established a few years ago in an connect to my heritage in this way”. informal way, when a few adult members that played certain instruments got This first year, auditions were held so that together and started jamming. This year, the program would start with a certain the program became more organized number of members, ensuring better and structured with the hiring of two monitoring of progress and goals. Featured professional instructors. Since several kids instruments are the clarinet, violin, already played certain instruments with toubeleki, daouli, santouri, accordion, 606 Greendale Rd. their schools’ bands like clarinet, violin bouzouki and baglama. Eventually, the Glenview, IL 60025 and percussion, the idea of offering them plan is to incorporate more rustic instru- 847.657.0958 a venue, and the means to be part of a ments, such as the gaeda (bagpipe), flute e-mail: [email protected] formal effort where they would enhance Continued on page 2 http://www.ohfs.org

Tax-exempt Not-for-profit Organization

Yannis Economou 847.657.0958 Director/President

Kostas Economou 847.729.3406 Instructor

Marianna Gudmundsson 847.967.5103 Artistic Director/Vice President

Bessie Kouchoukos-Grosso 773.286.5132 Sophia and Stefanie kept the crowd on their feet, singing a variety of tunes such as, “Yanni Mou to Mantili Youth Group Coordinator Sou”, “Dahtili” and “Kato Stin Roedo”. Also pictured are Jim Stoynoff on clarinet and Izaki and Danielle on violin.

Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Lyra - Spring 2008 Continued from page 1 and tsabouna (island bagpipe). The music group has already covered a wide spectrum of material from both mainland and island regions. There are significant differences between these two styles of music, making it difficult for the musicians to label one style as their favorite. “I like play- ing both island and mainland music. Mostly fast songs where my hands feel like they are flying”, comments Paul. “I like all of them, but I like the ones that I can move a lot with my toubeleki.” The multitude of instruments affords the group the opportunity to cover a lot of different material from many regions, and gives the musicians the chance to expand their talent as they take up new instruments. Paul notes, “It's fun to play the different Playing the santouri, Eve Monzingo is one of the instructors of the newly revamped OHFS music songs. It makes me feel special to group which provided the entertainment for the annual Vasilopita event at St. John the Baptist know I have control of how fast or Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, IL. slow we play. I am learning how to past, such as the University of Chicago Event this coming May. Looking to the play the daouli now. I like to make Balkan Festival, The Greek Star news- future, the music group would accom- a lot of noise and this drum really paper 100th Year Anniversary and sev- pany the dance groups on a more reg- takes charge!” Izaki, one of the group’s eral other events, including the annu- ular basis, especially at more suitable younger members, plays both violin al Orpheus Vasilopita celebration. venues such as libraries, educational and bouzouki. When asked about In its current, more improved state, institutions, auditoriums etc. his preferences between island and the music group has been received mainland music, he replied, “I really with great success, and the response It is very exciting and encouraging to enjoy playing island music more than has been overwhelming…in a good see how the younger members have mainland music. Greek island music sense. There was great participation responded so positively to this group, is very fast paced and extremely chal- at the auditions—more than was ever as they gain a sense of accomplish- lenging, but fun to play.” It is safe to expected. In addition, many other ment and self-assurance. “I love being state that the sky is the limit for the parents are already inquiring about a part of the music group because it music group members, as there are next year’s program and the require- gives me a chance to express my musi- thousands of Greek folk recordings ments for joining the music group. cality and my heritage at the same that they can learn from. This, of time”, notes Danielle. Izaki adds, “I like course, will be accomplished with the The music group serves exactly the being part of a group that enjoys Greek help of our two instructors, George same mission as the Orpheus Dance music. Also, everybody is so kind.” Lawler and Eve Monzingo, who have Troupe, in that it complements and By joining the music ensemble, kids already made great progress with the enhances the way Orpheus’ mission and teens can benefit in many ways: group. George Lawler is an accom- can be executed. Greek folk culture is developing and honing aural skills plished percussionist and drum best expressed when all three major and a heightened sense of rhythm; maker. Eve Monzingo is a talented, elements are presented live: dancing, an appreciation for, and an interest multi-instrumentalist who special- singing and music. There is no bet- in, the musical traditions of the many izes in folk music of the Balkans, the ter way to present the folk songs and varying regions of ; and lastly, Mediterranean and the Middle East. dances than with the accompaniment confidence in their stage presence and Jim Stoynoff, a long-time friend and of live music. The music group will performing abilities which will further collaborator of Orpheus, also lends support the troupe during various serve them in other aspects of life. his expertise and talent to the music presentations, but can also perform ensemble. For more extensive biogra- on its own. Most recently, the group Auditions for next year’s junior music phies on George, Eve and Jim, please has performed at the 2008 Orpheus group will be held on June 12 and visit our website, www.ohfs.org. Vasilopita event, the Greek American 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Northbrook Rehabilitation Center and is sched- facility. All interested candidates The original Orpheus music ensemble uled to entertain the crowd at the should contact OHFS for has performed at many venues in the Orpheus Youth Group, End of the Year additional information. r

2 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Orpheus Participates in 2008 Winter Dance Conference By Niko Bokas Kerasia) and Yiannis Papadopoulos (Kozani), who taught dances while The 2008 Winter Dance Conference singing songs from his village, was held in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Krokos, as well as from other areas of on January 3-5. I attended this spec- the prefecture of Kozani (Velvendos tacular event, together with my wife, and Siatista). In attracting experi- Niko Bokas filming his family learning several Patricia, my daughter, Christina, and enced and talented Greek folk dance new dance steps during one of the workshops my mother, Sophia. We had heard instructors such as these, the annual in Florida. that Tarpon Springs was Greektown Winter Dance Conference contrib- U.S.A., and it did not disappoint. The utes to the richness and diversity of easy on the feet. We enjoyed lunching community is vibrant, hospitable, the ever-growing OHFS repertoire. together at noon each day, and got to and generous. With 75% of the towns- meet Greek dance enthusiasts who people of Greek descent—the highest Participants at the three day work- came from a variety of places, near percentage of Greek descendants of shop came from as far away as and far. any city in America—and with Greek Edmonton and Toronto, Canada, flags lining the main streets and New York City, Indiana, Chicago and The workshops were followed each Greek shops and eateries to be found Wisconsin. The songs and dances evening with dance parties with at every turn, we felt welcome and at from Kozani had particular sig- music by Ziyia, a fabulous band with home from the very moment of our nificance to my mother because a rich sound coming from an assort- arrival. It is a very fitting location for she grew up in Avgherino, a village ment of instruments, including the a Greek dance seminar. in Kozani. She recalled some of the violin, bouzouki, santouri (dulcimer), songs and dances from her child- gaida, zourna, clarion and various The conference concentrated on hood as they were being taught to drums. There were many talented dances and songs from the region the rest of us. and energetic dancers that made the of Macedonia. The instructors at the evening glenti a showpiece of Greek workshop were Joe Graziosi (Boston), The all-day workshops were held at dance. Included among the attend- who taught dances from Orma; the Spanos Community Center, a ees at the glenti were a dozen or so Kyriakos Moisides (Thessaloniki), large modern facility located right performance dancers from the small who taught dances from the Pella next to St. Nicholas church. The island of Halki, which is close to area (Episcopi, Hariessa, Karydia and wooden dance floor was smooth and Rhodes and part of the Dodecanese. They demonstrated some of their island dances, including , Vlacha and Zervodexo. The dance conference ran from Thursday through Saturday.

After the Epiphany liturgy on Sunday, a parade from the church ended at Spring Bayou, where about 60 boys dove for the cross, a traditional part of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Epiphany celebration. After the Epiphany celebrations, many dance groups performed a wide variety of dances before a large audience in a nearby park on a beau- tiful, warm day. The Winter Dance Conference packs a lot of music, dancing, and fun that makes it well worth attending for a winter getaway. We’re already looking forward to OHFS members and family attending this year’s Winter Dance Conference in Tarpon Springs, going next year, and I would recom- Florida. Also pictured are instructors of the conference, Joe Graziosi (Boston), Kiriakos Moisidis mend it to everyone at Orpheus. r (Thessaloniki, Greece) and Yannis Papadopoulos (Kozani, Greece).

Lyra - Spring 2008 3 Choral Singing and Folk Dancing: The Connection

By Eftihia Papageorgiou everyday life, love, pain, hardships, During practices, I often find myself and more. When we study the songs, inside the dance circle surrounded Over the last few years that I have learn the lyrics, combine the lyrics by the dancers while I coordinate been working with the Orpheus and the music, and then combine their singing. At first glance, it looks choral group, I have been explor- it all with the dance steps, we own like a very simple set-up: a conduc- ing the answers to a question; one the performance. Dancing alone is tor and a choir. From my perspec- that has also been raised by several a type of performance and means of tive, the set-up is not at all simple. Orpheus members: Why is it impor- expression. Dancing and singing at In fact, it is very complex and pow- tant and beneficial to incorporate the same time creates a dimension erful. What I am experiencing while choral music into dance practices that leads us to another way of own- I am standing in the center of that and performances? ing the repertoire, and as a result, circle is an intense and pure taste of owning our culture. Greece. I am surrounded by music, Behind each dance step there is dancing, singing, poetry, technique, melody and rhythm. Behind that I view it as a chain of learning steps. expression, interpretation, emotion, melody and rhythm, there are lyrics The members of the group study the and spirit. I find myself in the center that define the context surrounding dance steps along with the music, of the circle of Greek culture. the dance. A series of dance steps they put the steps together, they feel alone do not create the dance; what the rhythms, and they coordinate Singing enhances the meaning creates the dance is the incorpora- their dance steps to the music. When behind the dancing. Dancing adds tion of the Greek spirit. But what they study the songs and the lyrics a more physical dimension to is it that creates the Greek spirit? and they begin to sing them while the singing. Singing and dancing It is the cultural dimension that is dancing, the process changes to a become one through the music. involved in every dance. Our history different kind of creative process The participants become uniquely and traditions shine through our because they are actually creating involved and focused. The perfor- . Similarly, the poetry the music themselves while dancing mance resonates with the audience. of Greek folk songs reflects on every to it. The result is a deep connection The Greek spirit becomes alive. r aspect of our culture: history, tradi- with the performance. It is a truly tion, religion, language, geography, amazing process. Eftihia Papageorgiou is the founder and director of the Chicago Hellenic Choir and the Odeion School of Music. spotlight on Orpheus Hometown: Chicago

dancer… Parents/Family From: My Yiayia is from Lachanada, Messinia and my Papou is from Tsaratsa, Messinia.

Time Dancing with Orpheus Group: I have been with the group for 5 years.

Thoughts on Dancing: I think that dancing is great. It is an awesome outlet for energy, and a great way to show my pride in my heritage.

Favorite Dance: Alexander My favorite dance is probably . Benziger

4 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Preserving Greek Heritage and Culture in Our Children Through Dancing and Singing

By Bessie Kouchoukos-Grosso Hellenic Folklore Society. My kids Greek dancing is an excellent way and I join several other Orpheus of making Greek history, culture Performing is what we do for others; members in an intense, yet fun, night and traditions come alive for chil- dancing is what we do for ourselves. of Greek song and dance. dren. Dr. Ellena Vranas, Director of —Yvonne Hunt the Apollo Dance Troupe in Aurora, While reflecting on the process Illinois, explains, “Our men really This is so true. People will stop of preserving our culture through enjoy performing the Mehanicos and ask me, “Bessie where did you dance, I was prompted to pose a dance from Kalymnos. Without this learn to dance?” Well, of course, in few questions to some Greek dance dance, our troupe wouldn’t be aware my living room with my mom. She instructors and aficionados. “Why of the fact that sponge diving was a would play the records we bought should we be teaching Greek dance?”, big part of the economy and culture at the long gone Polk Brothers on I asked Hara Deliyanni, Assistant of this beautiful island.” Mehanicos Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Now I Artistic Director of the Lykeion ton is a dance that represents the perils do the same with my own children. Hellinidon, in Athens, Greece. Her of sponge diving, specifically it show- response was, “Dance is regarded as cases a man with the bends, a com- Unknowingly, my mother began the one of the highest forms of art and mon condition afflicting deep sea important process of preserving her has always been an expression of divers. In Tarpon Springs, Florida, culture. Seemingly trivial experiences human feelings. On the other hand, where they still have sponge docks, such as this are the beginnings of due to the fact that traditional dance the first Greek immigrants were from cultural transmission. I began to passes from generation to genera- Kalymnos. Each winter John Loulias reflect on the process of preserving tion, it’s a way to keep our national hosts the Winter Dance Conference my Greek heritage and culture with identity.” I remember watching the during the Epiphany celebration. my own children. They want to learn spectacular 2004 Olympics in Athens More than 40,000 spectators gather Greek dance and make this a priority and there was Hara with her danc- to watch as dance groups march over other activities. On Thursday ers showing the world who we are down the streets dressed in their nights, you will most likely find us at through our dances. ethnic costumes singing and danc- the practice facility of the Orpheus Continued on page 6

Most Vivid OHFS Memory: Best childhood memory: My most vivid Orpheus memory is the trip to Greece My best childhood memory is probably when I was over the summer. I will never forget the pleasures of in Greece as a little kid, and I caught an octopus on dancing in Greece and playing on the beaches with the beach. the Orpheus community. Favorite spot in Chicago: Favorite Greek Dish: I love to go to the beach. It is awesome during the Youvetsi is my favorite Greek dish. It is just delicious. summer for swimming, hanging out with people, and getting a tan. Favorite Place in Greece: My favorite place in Greece would have to be I’m currently looking forward to: Finikounda. Not only is it just down the vouno from I’m currently looking forward to going college touring our horio, but it has one of the most beautiful beaches over the summer. and it is just a great place to hang out. Where I heard about Orpheus Dance Troupe: Hobbies/Sports/Other Interests: My Thea Bessie got me involved in the dance troupe I play trumpet in my school (Lincoln Park)’s concert when I was old enough to start dancing, and I have band. I also play baseball (pitcher and center fielder), been involved in it ever since then. r water polo, and I swim.

Lyra - Spring 2008 5 Continued from page 5 ing towards the grandstand for the Blessing of the Waters. It is at events like this that history is brought to life through the teaching of dances, like the Mehanicos, as well as direct par- ticipation in cultural traditions.

Why is Greek dancing an important method in preserving our culture? Yannis Economou, Director of the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society (OHFS), reflects, “Greek dancing provides a multidimensional medi- um to enhance the Hellenic culture. It is expressed in many social func- tions such as weddings, festivals or just small gatherings. These gath- erings are also opportunities for people who share the same culture and interests to meet. These dances Yvonne Hunt, during her 2006 visit, pictured with OHFS members along with representatives were meant for the entire commu- from the Apollo Dance Troupe in Aurora, IL. nity to participate so they are very communal in nature.” Furthermore, church environment. The greatest broader-based community is much Yanni explains that, “Greek dance value of Greek singing is that chil- wider geographically now than the involves other cultural aspects such dren make all of the above connec- local village in Greece. There is a as singing and playing an instru- tions through music, which is a very greater variety of cultural customs to ment. Many Greek-Americans who pleasant way of learning. They keep which a child is exposed. Preserving were not fluent in Greek gained a coming back for more music, and or passing on customs of Greece may new interest in the language when what they are really coming back for need to be done in a more organized they started to learn some of the is more culture. fashion such as dance classes.” respective songs.” Okay, so we are Greek. We know Through my experiences, I have Eftihia Papageorgiou, Director of the and want to learn about our cul- been fortunate enough to have met Chicago Hellenic Choir, knows this ture. Yvonne Hunt, a non-Greek, is experts in Greek dancing and singing well. She notes that, “Greek singing is a well-known Greek ethnographer who are trying in their own way to not just about music. Children who and dance instructor from Seattle, preserve our Greek identity and are exposed to Greek singing have Washington. She reflected with me heritage. Young and old can enjoy a the opportunity to learn a great deal on her experiences with dance. dance. The idea is for everyone to get about Greek culture, religion, tradi- together and take pleasure in that tion, geography, history, and lan- “For those of Greek descent living synergistic moment. It is up to us, guage. When children study the rich outside of Greece, it has been one as adults, to inspire and motivate Greek repertoire of our famous con- item that binds those descendents the younger generations to temporary Greek composers, they to the land of their ancestors. perpetuate our rich and beautiful are also exposed to beautiful poetry There is a great emphasis in some culture. We have come a long written by outstanding Greek poets.” communities of the diaspora to way from our living rooms…how teach the children to dance, and lucky for me to have great parents Connecting the songs to the regions not just to dance the dances of their that shared their love for Greek they came from is another example parents, but also to learn dances dance and music. Hopefully my of how learning dancing and sing- from many regions of Greece grandchildren will too. r ing can be a valuable geography especially for performance purposes. and history lesson. Greek singing References: is another way of keeping our chil- There is no better place for a child to Please check the OHFS website dren in touch with our religion. Our learn his cultural heritage, whether it (www.ohfs.org) for links to all the above church music can easily become is dance or some other aspect, than referenced individuals and organizations a part of singing sessions, and can from his parents. That, of course, as well as other upcoming dance semi- teach children how to stay connect- is the starting point. However, the nars and workshops. ed to our faith even outside of the

6 Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society Father Kounavis blessed the vasilopites during the OHFS annual In this year's Greek-American parade along Halsted Street, members Vasilopita event at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. of the music group had a chance to showcase their talents along with members of the youth group on top the Parthenon Restaurant float.

The OHFS gave a lively performance during this year’s Chicago Greek OHFS youth members, Paul, Louiza and Vasiliki, enjoying Consul Greek Independence Day Reception at the Chicago Cultural a Pyrgousikos moment. The youth group also performed Center. Yannis, Kostas and Peter pictured with Honorable General Zonaradikos, Palamakia and Hasaposervikos during the Consul of Greece, Mr. Petrovas and his wife. International Night program at Hoffman Elementary School.

OHFS youth members danced an energetic while OHFS music group members,Yannis on the bouzouki, Dimitri on residents of the Greek American Nursing and Rehabilitation baglama and Paul on toumbeleki, performed for residents of the Center in Wheeling, IL looked on. Greek American Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Lyra - Spring 2008 7 performance schedule

Skokie Festival of Cultures End of the Year Youth Event Cultural Events Series Saturday, May 17 Sunday, May 18 Tuesday, October 15 Oakton Park St. John The Baptist Church Wright College 4701 West Oakton St. 2350 E. Dempster St. 4300 N. Narragansett Skokie, IL Des Plaines, IL Chicago, IL 4:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Hellenic Choir Concert Assumption Church Greek Fest 2008 2008 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade Saturday, May 17 Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25 Thursday, November 27 Northside College Prep High School St. Louis, MO State Street 5501 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL Chicago, IL 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule and times are subject to change. For the latest information visit http://www.ohfs.org.

practice schedule Youth Group: Members ages 10-14 (Northbrook and Glenview locations).

Orpheus Adult Group Orpheus Youth Group: (September through May) Beginners: Members with little or no previous dance experience. Beginner/Intermediate: Every Thursday at: Intermediate: Dancers who have shown progress in the beginners’ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Session I: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. class attend the last hour of practice. At the discretion of the instructors, Intermediate/Advanced: Session II: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. the intermediate level dancers will be practicing in a separate line. St. John Lutheran Church 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. All dancers, especially beginners, are encouraged to obtain a personal 3020 Milwaukee Ave. Every Thursday at: CD of the music used for performances, in order to practice on one’s own Northbrook, IL St. John Lutheran Church and become accustomed to the music. Please provide Yannis or Kostas 3020 Milwaukee Ave. Every Saturday at: Economou with a blank CD. Northbrook, IL 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Submissions for the Summer issue of Lyra will be accepted until August 15, 2008. (one mile north from the New Church We are always interested in educational essays/articles dealing with the subjects Multipurpose Room of Greek folk dance, folk music, and folk traditions. We continue to accept personal intersection of Lake/Euclid announcements and all other submissions pertinent to the dance troupe and its and Milwaukee Ave.) 74 Park Dr., Glenview, IL membership. If an individual wishes to contribute material on a continuous basis,

(one block west of Shermer/Glenview Rds) please inform the Editor.

Glenview, IL 60025 IL Glenview, 606 Greendale Rd. Greendale 606