| CLAR MONACO began his study of sitar in 1993 with Mushtaq Husain Khan (Bombay) of the Indore Gharana classical music tradtion, and later with Patric Marks. Clar continues advanced studies with world renown artist Pandit Ronu Majumdar. Clar is an M.F.A. alumnus of the University of Chicago and holds several academic certificate in sitar study from the Bharatiya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal in Pune, India. Clar is a musician (guitar, bass) of 35 years, performer, recording artist and published songwriter. He provides private instructions in the Chicago; co-owner of Sitar Emporium LLC and Wonderwall Music Shoppe & Emporium in Oak Park; faculty member of Chicago's accredited school of Indian music, Sadhana School of Indian Music. GIGI WONG-MONACO born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i USA. Began her instruction in Indian classical music in 1997 with Patric Marks. She plays a variety of Tanpuras, including the Swarsangam, and Indian percussion, such as the Manjiras, Kartals and Dandia sticks. GiGi is a B.F.A. graduate of the University of Hawai'i and M.S. alumnus of Wilmington University, Delaware. GiGi is also a website designer/adminstrative support for Sadhana School of Indian Music; Co-owner of Sitar Emporium LLC and Wonderwall Music Shoppe & Emporium. Recording and published works, established artist. Founder of the popular Oak Park Ukulele Meetup Group aka The Harrison Street Ukulele Players. Member of Ke Ali'i Victoria Ka'iulani Hawaiian Civic Club and Kupa'a Pacific Island Resources, Chicago. |
| Updated 2009 |
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| Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble |
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| ARTISTS BIO Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble Sandalwood Sitar Music Ensemble has been performing for public and private venues across the country since 1998. Chicago-based founders, Clar and GiGi Monaco play a variety of traditional instruments from India, including the Sitar and Swarsangam. The ensemble line-up also includes occasional accompanists on Tabla and Tanpura. The group's repertoire consists of classical Indian ragas and original compositions. |
| Other accompanying musicians include: Sean Murphy, Sitar - Disciple of Clar Monaco Payal Sud, Tanpura/Percussion - Disciple of Clar Monaco Dharminder Singh, Tablas - Tabla teacher of Sadhana School of Indian Music. Puranlal Vyas, Tablas - One of Chicago's most popular and highly respected tabla players Raju Deshmukh, Tablas/Pakhawaj - Respected tabla and pakhawaj player; Anila Singh Foundation. |
| Sandalwood founders, GiGi and Clar Monaco. |