Kalisz: Workshops on the construction of folk instruments

The Culture and Art Centre in Kalisz organizes eight-month workshops on the construction of folk instruments – drums and Kalisz bass. The aim is to popularize Wielkopolska traditions among the young generation.

As CKiS manager Robert Kuciński said, the workshop will be run by Krzysztof Rospondek, the only specialist in this field in the region and the instrument builder for 20 years.

The aim of the task is to cultivate and popularize the disappearing traditions of Wielkopolska in the field of building regional instruments among the young generation.

– Rigged and hooped drums and basses called "kaliskis" were rhythmic and burdonical sections in conventional agrarian bands of the 19th and mid-20th centuries in the Kalisz region. The music played on these instruments complemented the violinist's tunes. Without specified music the Kaliskie or Ostrich wedding could not be done – he said.

The task provides 160 hours of workshops, participants will learn about the method of extraction, preparation and treatment of natural materials. During the classes, they will build a double-membrane drum with battens, a hoop drum with buzzings, a caliline bass plucked and glued along with strings.

Classes will be held in Kocin, Ostrow region 4 times a month, from April to November 2026. At the end, students will receive a diploma and their works will be presented at the exhibition.

Applications are accepted until March 27 at CKiS in Kalisz. The workshops are carried out as part of a task co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.

AB, PAP