Marilyn Puskarich

Marilyn J. “Chee Chee” Puskarich Repasky was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Mildred (Kirasic) Puskarich. She was raised on a farm in Plum Boro, Pennsylvania. The entire Puskarich family was deeply involved in tambura music. All six of the sisters learned to play tambura as children, and two of the sisters are currently in the TAA Hall of Fame. Marilyn was influenced by her sisters Caroline and Rose and followed them into the Duquesne Tamburitzans. Marilyn has used both her experiences as a “Tammie” and the Bachelor’s degree in Education she earned at Duquesne throughout her life. After graduation, Marilyn married John Repasky and this happy union led to three talented children, all lovers of tambura music. All three children – Jennifer, Michael, and Stephen – attended Duquesne University. Jennifer later used her “Tammie” experience to assist Marilyn in directing the Golden Triangle Junior Tamburitzans and son Stephen became a Junior Tamburitzan instructor. Marilyn has shared her love of playing tambura music and dancing kolos with students of all ages for over 30 years. She has directed, danced with and choreographed for innumerable performing groups in both Detroit and in several cities in Pennsylvania. In Detroit, she joined the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra has both a player and a featured vocalist. In Pennsylvania, Marilyn has served as choreographer and vocal instructor for a series of junior groups, including the Trafford Junior Tamburitzans of Pittsburgh, Rankin Junior Tamburitzans, and Duquesne Junior Tamburitzans. Marilyn’s instruction has emphasized the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge they will need on stage and at social functions, but equally importantly, she has provided those under her guidance with a background and awareness of her culture and heritage. Marilyn also shares her talents and knowledge with more mature enthusiasts. For the last 20 years, Marilyn has been the instructor of Pittsburgh’s first adult kolo class. Marilyn is also an accomplished performer. Closest to her heart is her opportunity to sing with Orchestra Veseli. Performing and recording with Veseli has allowed Marilyn to sing with her sister Rose, and work with her brother-in-law Fred Husnick along with Ron Rendulic, all three TAA Hall of Fame members. Other credits include a recording with Orchestra Biseri (Orchestra Biseri featuring Marilyn Repasky), a recording with Orchestra Zabava, an Ensemble Festival recording consisting of Duquesne University Tamburitza alumni, performing with Zvonko Bogdan, Jerry Grcevich, George “Butchy” Kresovich, Chuck Cubelic, and Steve Wagner. Marilyn J. “Chee Chee” Repasky has spent a lifetime promoting, performing and pursuing knowledge of the instrumental and vocal music and dances of the tambura. She has sought only the highest quality in both her personal performance and the performances of those she directs. She has taken her own God-given talent and combined it with an amazing work ethic to create a unique, distinctive sound. She has introduced hundreds of players, singers and dancers to the world of tamburitza music and dance. Marilyn’s influence can be seen in those who are playing and dancing today because of her efforts. Perhaps the most significant are those not learning from Marilyn directly, but instead from her former students who are now directing their own groups of players, singers and dancers. There can be no greater legacy than to have children you taught grow up enjoying those lessons so much that they in turn pass on the knowledge to a new generation.