Join the Orchestra

The American Balalaika Symphony needs new players in all sections.

The ABS rehearses every Thursday at the Hermitage residence in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition, the string sections(and anybody else who wants to come) rehearse on Saturday mornings. Saturday rehearsals are an excellent opportunity for new players to come up to speed on ABS repertoire and to get to know your fellow players a little better. Major concerts are held several times each year at halls in the Greater Washington, DC area. In addition, there are smaller performances in special locations such as the Russian Embassy and at retirement homes and community centers.

Strings

Many opportunities are available in the string sections of the American Balalaika Symphony. The strings form the core that defines the character of our orchestra. These sections consist of balalaikas and domras of varying sizes. If you have experience on just about any stringed instrument, then you are in a great position to learn one of these Russian Folk Instruments. Even if you've never played a stringed instrument, desire and dedication can bring you a long way, and we encourage you to inquire. The ABS has a large collection of balalaikas and domras, so there is no need to bring your own. We will also provide you with some free lessons to get you started. You will learn rapidly as you play with the group and you can continue to take paid lessons from our conservatory-trained instructors.

Domra Section

Most of the domras in our orchestra have four strings that are tuned in fifths like a violin or mandolin. The prima domra and tenor domra are tuned just like a violin, while the alto and bass domra are tuned like a cello. The smaller domras play the melody and harmony lines, and the bass domras play harmony and bass lines. The domras are played with picks, both single-strike notes and "tremolo" style, which will be familiar to mandolin players (although the technique is not identical.) For violin and guitar players, the tremolo technique will be challenging at first but is ultimately one of the great sources of excitement and pleasure in playing the domra.

Balalaika Section

The balalaikas all have three strings, but they are tuned differently for the different sizes. Interestingly, the prima, alto, and sekunda have two of the three strings tuned to the same note. The prima is played by plucking with the thumb and index finger or by strumming chords quickly in a tremolo style with the index finger. The prima usually covers melody and harmony parts and chords. The altos and sekundas are played with a leather pick, usually strumming chords. The bass and kontrabass are tuned just like the low strings of a guitar or bass (electric or upright). They cover bass lines and are plucked with picks.

Wind and Percussion

The ABS has full wind and percussion sections. The wind positions are among the most demanding musically, as each instrument is represented by only one or two individuals who often carry prominent melodies and solos. The percussion section is extensive, including sophisticated instruments such as marimba and vibraphone, although prospective percussionists need not be able to play every instrument.

Accordion, Bayan, and Gusli

Finally, the orchestra has accordion, bayan (a Russian button accordion), and gusli players. The gusli is a large table autoharp, plucked and strummed with a pick and controlled with a small piano-like keyboard. The ABS currently owns 2 guslis.