Parish Regional band "Giewont"
The Parish Regional Ensemble Giewont was established on August 1, 1981. The founder and director of the ensemble was Father Jan Kowalik CM, parish priest of the parish on Olcza in Zakopane, currently the Sanctuary of Our Lady Revealing the Miraculous Medal. The first artistic director and instructor of the ensemble was Franciszek Bachleda - Księdzularz. It is currently led by Tomasz Galica, Maria Kukuc - Frączysta and Katarzyna Stachoń - Groblowy. Since the ensemble was established and operated under the patronage of a parish run by missionary priests, a significant part of the concerts take place in places where the priests are active, which distinguishes it from other ensembles. It also enriches parish celebrations with its music and singing. It has performed in Poland and abroad, including in France, Austria, Germany, Norway, Italy, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. On June 19, 1985, the band had the honor of performing for the Holy Father John Paul II in the Vatican and then participating in a private audience. After 31 years from this event, the band performed again in St. Peter's Square, playing for the Holy Father Francis. Over the years, the band has participated in many festivals and competitions, including: during the International Festival of Highland Folklore in Zakopane and Sabałowe Bajań and the Highlander Carnival in Bukowina Tatrzańska, in the International Children's Folklore Festival in Sofia (Bulgaria), in the International Folklore Festival in Izmir – Foça (Turkey), the International Folklore and Music Festival "Paralia Summer Festival" (Greece). The Giewont Ensemble has hosted the MFFZG in Zakopane many times. It has also taken part in numerous television recordings and commercials promoting the Zakopane and Podhale regions. It has won numerous awards for highlander dance and singing. In 2017, it won the silver ciupaga in the category of authentic ensembles at the 49th MFFZG in Zakopane. One of the greatest distinctions for the members of the ensemble is the national badge of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage "Meritorious for Polish Culture", which was awarded to Piotr Haza and the current instructors of the ensemble, Tomasz Galica, Maria Kukuc – Frączysta and Katarzyna Stachoń – Groblowy.
An important task of the Parish Regional Ensemble Giewont is teaching highland singing and dancing and passing on tradition to young generations, which is why the ensemble has children's groups. Currently, rehearsals are conducted in two groups. The ensemble has about 70 participants.
