I have always favored the sweet sound of the ukulele since I was a baby, when my Dad would serenade every evening after work. Sitting in a chair, whistling, singing or strumming beautifully, he could go on for hours. Serving in New Zealand on a mission made his playing even more sweet.
A couple of years ago, Randy gave me a ukulele for Christmas. I had learned, through a friend I admire, that she played in a ukulele band. I couldn't get the idea out of my head; this group had my name all over it! I invested in a chord chart, and began the journey.
We meet at the Scottsdale senior center once a week in a conference room. Every other week we play folk songs and golden oldies. The other weeks are spent playing Hawaiian songs and styles. Every chair is filled as we surround tables pulled together in a horseshoe. We each own two 300 page songbooks, which we play random favorite songs from for 2 hours (intermixed with stories in between). Pat, our leader, does his best to inspire us amidst "peanut gallery" comments. He is pushing 80 and plays on a different uke every week, since he collects them (over 60 ukes). He can play beautifully and through his stories you know he has exposed his own children and grand children to enjoy playing together. He's a man after my own heart. Especially impressive is the fact that he is hard of hearing. . . and he doesn't read music. But SO qualified!
I had been gone from the group for 9 months and it felt great to be back today. As I played away, it dawned on me that this is a setting I might have to defend to others that don't have a clue. To understand my part in this, I will attempt to describe the other members:
Warren - Hawaiian native. Wears a Hawaiian shirt every week. Mid 80's. Had his share of medical setbacks. Still plays like he lives under a palm tree in Honolulu. Must strum in his sleep. Plays in a harmonica band. Widower.
Mildred - Classy and well kept. Volunteers, except for Friday ukulele group. Mid 70's. Skin cancer recipient. Plays bass ukulele flawlessly. Taught in Scottsdale School district. Widow.
Tiffany - Mid 40's. Lives in Payson. Travels to uke group every Friday. Not afraid to play the Beachboys "Wouldn't It Be Nice" as if no one else was in the room. Smiles, nods, and sways to the rhythm of every song.
Marie - Classy. Quick wit. Previously a Sweet Adalines alto. Late 70's. Rides a scooter chair. Plays the heart out of her small ukulele, never missing a chord. Widow.
Alona - my friend. Mid 60's. Married to executive secretary in another singles ward. Tempe. Teaches and plays piano beautifully. Is a spearhead in putting this group together. Frequents Hawaii. Sets a peppy, obvious tempo for every song, knowing we can all keep up.
Susan - Mid 60's. Previously a Phoenix Symphony violist. Tempe. Proud owner of a couple of custom made beautiful ukes, one being electric. Wonderful musical knowledge and uke theory. Technology wizard, making her searches for song and info fast. Plays all introductions.
Dan - Plays competitive tennis. Mid 70's. New member to me. A ukulele like mine. Has played for a while.
Butchi - late 70's. Husband comes with to listen along from his wheel chair. Plays extremely well. Cares about musical details. Heart history
2 or 3 others were there today, off to spend the summer in their cooler climates, only to be back in the Fall. It's common for the men in the group to have learned how to play, serving in their military days.
After belonging to the group, I have come to admire and learn from these good people. They are an inspiration and I find myself appreciating their zeal for life as well as music. They are giving me a gift!
I think about my 89 year old Dad. He would bask in their skills, too. I've got to take him with me, and his ukulele. Without him, I wouldn't know all this fun..
Jody - Daughter of ukulele lover. Proud of callouses that come from practicing. Played first solo today, "April Showers", thanks to Pat, who teaches also about sharing to make others happy. . . a piano angle I've used a hundred times.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
