Faculty of Culture and Arts of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University brings together talented and creative individuals living art. We talked to a graduate and master’s student of the faculty, soloist of the «Davnia kazka» group Bohdan Lukashuk. Why he chose this particular University, how he manages to combine studies, performances and creativity in the band, as well as the ways of finding yourself – read in our interview.
– Why did you choose to study at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University and Faculty of Culture and Arts?
– I chose to study at Faculty of Culture and Arts because in my childhood I have had an understanding that I would connect my life with culture and art. I am a musician and have been involved in music from early years, playing many instruments. My first instrument is the guitar. I also play the bayan, double bass, and I can play the flute. I graduated from two music schools: one in Shatsk, where I graduated from the flute class, and then Liuboml Music School. I am from Zhorany and spent half of my childhood at Shatsk Music School, and then half in Lyuboml Music School, which I graduated from in the accordion class. The teachers at the music school advised me to enter our University. They said that there is an excellent faculty of culture and arts here. Therefore, after the eleventh grade, I entered Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University. It was in 2020. I passed the external independent assessment well and was enrolled on the state form of education, completed four years of bachelor's degree and now I am studying for master’s degree.
– What specialty are you studying?
– An interesting question, because I entered the specialty «Bayan», but at the end of the second year I was facing a dilemma, as I was deciding between continuing the bayan studies or developing the guitar studies, which I loved to play all my life, though without a theoretical basis. I asked my lecturers, the dean, if it was possible to switch to the guitar. At first I had doubts, because I was the only guitarist in the faculty, but I still managed to switch. That is why I graduated from bachelor’s degree in the specialty «Guitar». But at the same time I played the bayan in the «Rozmay» group, and just for myself. Therefore, I have a large baggage of instruments, I can play many things, but the guitar is my specialty.
– What is your favorite instrument?
– The guitar. Why is that? Because the guitar was given to me when I was five years old for my birthday, from which my love of music began. It was given to me very unexpectedly. The guitar was at home, in a room behind the closet, and even before school I began to «feel» it. In general, how I developed such a love of music… My dad really loved and still loves listening to his old Panasonic tape recorder. That’s why I also listened to «Trio Marenichi», Ivasyuk, «ZZ Top», «Pink Floyd», «Depeche Mode» … oh, we listened to a lot of music. And then I started playing something on the guitar just by ear. My parents realised that I could do it, saw that I had some kind of genius, talent, ear, and, accordingly, they sent me to a music school. Many thanks to them for their support, proper upbringing and love of music, and ultimately of the guitar.
– Tell me the story from your student life that you remember the most.
– It’s hard to remember some kind of the funniest story, but it’s all connected with groupmates and lecturers. Faculty of Culture and Arts is different from all the faculties of our University, because every class we have is some kind of funny and cheerful cultural and artistic musical event. Therefore, it is difficult to single out one. It was just cool when my groupmates and I went to the classes in the same company. I want to remember the «Rozmay» collective… Every class we had was like a party, we came to classes and had a blast from the process and our activities. In general, the student life was fun.
– How did you become a member of the «Davnya kazka» group? What role do you play there?
– The «Davnya kazka» group is generally a well-known Lutsk group that has existed for many years. If I am not mistaken, this group has been around since 2007. Its founder is the late Yevhen Chepil. He was both the founder, the soloist, and the author of the songs that the group performed. By the way, when I moved to Lutsk, I immediately heard him somewhere, I really liked him. I listened to their songs when I had nothing to do with him yet. It so happened that a year ago the soloist and founder of the group suddenly died. This is a trauma for the band and the listeners. There was a short break in «Davniya Kazka». After that, there was a concert in memory of Zhenya. Mykhailo Duday, one of the members of «Davniya Kazka», invited me to play bass guitar, because their bassist was not there at that time. I agreed and at the same time I was offered to perform one of the songs of «Davniya Kazka». After that, I had such an honour, the band offered to become one of the soloists together with Mykhailo Duday. So I joined the band as a soloist. Now we are actively developing, recently we have released the old-new song «Zyma» together with the «NOTA NEO» quartet. We also released the song «Bud'mo». We created it to remind everyone: even in the darkest moments we are together, and together we are invincible! There are many ideas, ambitious plans, and we will continue to develop.
– Tell us about your favorite performances with the band. Are there any special moments remaining in your memory?
– I think that everything is still ahead. Considering that I have only been a member of the band for half a year, and also taking into account the war, there were not many concerts, I think that there will still be.
– Do you often take part in University events. How do you manage to combine studies, participation in the band and other activities?
– I actively participate in various events and venues mainly as a presenter. If you manage your time correctly, you will have time for everything. The main thing is desire, and it is always there when you do what your soul is passionate about. I have always been interested in it: I loved learning how to work on stage: with voice, artistry, movements. Therefore, I do it with a thrill. One thing has never interfered with the other, when there is a desire to work, there is always time.
– How do you see your professional activity after graduating from the University? Do you want to combine music with other spheres?
– I want to continue working in my specialty, develop my voice and make music. For an artist, the most important thing is to always be on stage, and after the war, I want to participate in concerts even more as a host and musician. I absolutely want to connect my life with culture and art. For me, there are no clear frameworks like «graduated from the University – a new stage has begun.» My path began in the first year, and in parallel with my studies, I was developing my trade. The University became a huge bonus for me, where I improved what I was already passionate about. I am currently completing my master’s degree, but I do not consider this a turning point, because I have been doing what I really love for a long time, and I will continue to do it.
– What inspires you most in life and creativity?
– I think that a person who has been on stage at least once, either with a performance or simply in some other way, understands what it is like to receive applause. This is a very interesting feeling difficult to convey, and it is very inspiring. It is nice when you are given applause in return, and you give emotions to the audience. This is such a peculiar exchange of energy. It inspires you to create something new. And, of course, it inspires self-development. There is always room to grow and something new to learn.
– Give advice to students on how to find yourself and enjoy studying at the University.
– I remember Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi’s phrase, which I saw at the entrance to my Zhoran’ska school: «The most important thing you should find in this school is the purpose of your life.» We always went to school and for eleven years saw this phrase. And indeed, the most important thing is to find yourself. How to find yourself? Constantly act, try new things, develop. If you don’t stop, then among the many opportunities you will definitely find a job that you like more than any other. It’s great when the job you like and your job are the same, then you will never work. My advice: find something you fully like, develop it and then earn from it. How to enjoy studying? First of all, have a desire to learn, actively attend classes, communicate with lecturers. It is important to treat them with respect, but at the same time not be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, perceive them as mentors. I have seen from my own experience that the lecturers of our University are wonderful people who really want to teach. The main thing is to find this connection. And, of course, do not forget about balance: find time for rest and friends.
Interviewed by Olena YEMETS
