Finnish musical instrument maker Minna Hokka coming to area in June

The Finnish American Folk School welcomes Finnish musical instrument maker Minna Hokka to the Copper Country this June as part of Juhannus 2019. She’ll be offering a slate of programming that will provide attendees with a unique skill set – and at an unbelievable price!

Hokka, who’s invested much of her adult life into creating musical instruments from materials found in nature, will offer as many as nine unique courses during her two-week stay in the Copper Country, and with class prices unbelievably low, they’re likely to fill up fast.

The programming begins Monday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center, when Hokka will give an introductory presentation and performance, giving Folk School students – and potential students – a first-hand look at hand-crafted musical instruments they can make using materials that are available in their own back yards and nearby forests.

Hokka will remain in the Copper Country through Juhannus 2019, and she is coming prepared to teach classes in:

• Ruokopilli (reed pipe) or Nynnypilli – $20 per person
• Sarvitrumpetti (cow horn trumpet) – $60 per person
• Birchbark harvesting – $60 per person
• Paimen huilu (shepherd’s flute) – $60 per person
• Tuohitorvi (birch bark trumpet) – $130 per person
• Lävikko (Karelian woodwind) – $30 per person

Minna will also give instruction on making birchbark rings and Juhannus floral garland on a casual basis during the Juhannus festival. She’ll wrap up her official schedule with a second overview presentation at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the Finnish American Heritage Center.

The Midsummer programming slate for the Folk School will also include a session on squeaky cheese making in an outdoor setting led by Joanna Chopp, and some performances by the Minnesota-based band Laulu Aika. Minnesota-based musicians Ralph and Jaana Tuttila will lead a Pelimannit music workshop for only $10 per student.

The complete schedule of Folk School events planned for Midsummer 2019 can be found online at finlandia.edu/juhannus. For more information about the Finnish American Folk School, call (906) 487-7302.