Life in the Regions: 73-Year-Old Bukarbai Tyumenbaev Revives the "Uchkyn" Ensemble for Its 50th Anniversary
He hails from the village of Kara-Talaa in the Ton district.
In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, Tyumenbaev shared that he is currently retired and holds the position of chairman of the elders' court. He also organized a men's veterans' volleyball team in his village, as well as women's teams, and actively participates in their training and tournaments. Bukarbai is a graduate of Kyrgyz State University, where he majored in history education.
“After returning from the army in the fall of 1973, I began working as a music and physical education teacher at the V. I. Lenin Secondary School in January 1974, when classes resumed after the winter break. That same year, we started making electric guitars ourselves, and in 1975 we held a New Year's masquerade ball and the first concert for the students. My female students, who had just started performing in the ensemble at that time, came to our anniversary celebration, which we marked on December 2,” he recounted.
The idea of creating electric guitars arose during his military service when he played in a musical ensemble with Russian comrades. Upon his return, he received a handmade guitar as a gift. At that time, instruments in the military club were abundant, while homemade guitars were not used. Based on that guitar, we began creating new ones at school, using equipment from the physics classroom as amplifiers. Thus, the ensemble was born in 1975.
“In 1975, I created an instrumental ensemble, and soon we celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand concert featuring a diverse program,” he added.
Gallery: The revival of the "Uchkyn" ensemble by Bukarbai Tyumenbaev.
According to him, they previously organized propaganda brigades, performing for workers and shepherds, conducting lectures and concerts. In 1976-1977, graduates of the school in the village of Ottyk created the Komsomol brigade "Altyn-Bulak," which engaged in animal husbandry and held concerts together with the ensemble participants.
“Our propaganda brigade mainly operated during the lambing season when many people needed help. We conducted not only concerts but also lectures about events in the country and the world. Usually, our history teacher S. Akmatov traveled with us, and in the sheepfolds, we connected the equipment and delighted people with music,” noted Tyumenbaev.
From the late 1990s to the 2000s, the ensemble hardly functioned, with performances occurring only at certain events. Upon retiring, the ensemble's activities nearly ceased due to outdated equipment. However, preparations for the anniversary inspired him to repair the remaining instruments, acquire new ones, and gather former students for the celebration.
“Thus, the 'Uchkyn' ensemble was revived, and we hope it will become active again and renew its lineup,” he shared.
“In my youth, difficulties were not felt as much; we actively participated in events after classes. But organizing the anniversary was not easy for me. The old equipment required repairs, and my singers had moved away, so I had to contact them and prepare the program,” noted Bukarbai Tyumenbaev.
Among his achievements is the establishment of the Tölösün Ismailov School Local History Museum, which won a prize at the regional competition in the 1980s. He is also a co-author of the textbook "World History" for 10th-grade students in Kyrgyzstan.
Tyumenbaev has achievements in volleyball at the district level and has been awarded certificates. He previously engaged in running but now prefers walking and sports walking.
“When I have free time, I draw for the kindergarten; it's my hobby,” he added.
He has a large family: 50 years of marriage to his Kazakh wife, five children, and 14 grandchildren.
As for future plans, he wishes for peace and a bright future for children. With hopes for health, he wants to continue developing culture and sports in his village, supporting the youth and veterans, and enhancing their skills,” he noted.
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