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Be Thankful…...

11/19/2014

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how lucky I am to have the life I have: My family, my friends, my community and the rich, even extravagant, lifestyle I live. Maybe it's the anticipation of going to Namibia and Botswana next month that has me feeling this way; Two countries where I know that many of the people have so much less in material possessions. That doesn't mean that they are not happy. Many times people with less (stuff and money), have a great capacity for happiness. So… I am thankful…….. for you. for being able to work with you, for counting you among my friends. I hope you all have a great Holdiay and ….. Don't Worry, be happy!
After warming up with Fais Dodo in C we went right to work on El Tortillero a sweet Mexican Waltz that is an exercise in counting and requires focus to work through all the rests, tied notes, eighth notes, etc. Try to get the 1,2,3 going in your head in order to keep track of the count.
We then analyzed the F chord - yep! Still, the 1,3,& 5 notes of the scale make up the major chord. Next we used Everybody Loves Saturday Night to listen for chord changes in a 2 chord song and formed the Instant UITC "tabernacle chord" to become one with the chords and make beautiful (vocal) harmony together.
Then a bit of practice getting our groove on The Little Light in preparation for our performance on Dec 6 at the BUG Jam.
NO CLASS NEXT WEEK - it's time to celebrate and be Thankful for all we have. We have one more class which will be on Dec 3.
Practice: El Tortillero, Lukey's Boat, This Little Light and The Flower Drum - remember to listen to this before practicing so that it makes more sense to you.
Gail

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String-a-long and beyond 2014

11/13/2014

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First a warm-up with In The Bleak Midwinter the on to Auwe Ke Aloha E - singing in Hawaiian language. This is another song the a lovely arpeggiated chord back-up in the Uke II part.
We then talked about some chords C, G and a bit of strumming technique: Playing on the off-beat and a pick-strum.
On to Fais dodo, our first piece in 6/8 time. Finally we had a good practice session with all parts on This Little Light of Mine.
Next Week, we will play Fais dodo in the key of F (pg 48).
Also -practice El Tortillero (pg 47) and This Little Light of mine. If playing chords is new to you, spend some time practicing the chord changes on page 45.
*** String-a-long - Because some of you have asked for it, and because strings need to be changed every few months, I am have planned a time to help you learn how to put strings on your instrument. The date is Nov 22 - This will be a drop-in type thing, anytime between 1:00 and 4:00, at my house: 316 N. Forest St.
Yes, you will actually put strings on your ukulele. That means you need strings. I can order strings for you, if you let me know right away. I will order the Worth Clear with low G. If you want something else you will need to buy them yourself. Please let me know what size uke you have if you want me to order strings for you.
***Beyond 2014 - As you already know, I am going to be on an African adventure until mid-February, 2015. It is my plan to begin a Book 2 class when I return. There is a good possibility that the 2 beginning classes will need to be combined into one, depending on how many people sign up. Cost will be the same as Book 1 - 12 weeks for $150.00 plus materials ($25.00)
While I am gone Evelyn Kimbrough (JHUI certified teacher) is willing to have a Book 1 review class for anyone who wants it. This would be about 6 weeks and would probably cost about $10.00 per week.
My questions for you are (this is only a survey, not a commitment):
1. Are you interested in taking the Book 2 class?
2. Are you unable to attend one of these time slots -Tuesday at 3:00 or Wednesday evening?
3. Are you interested in the Book 1 review class in Jan-Feb 2015 ?
You can either send me an email, or replay using the contact for below.

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Without music, life would Bb

11/6/2014

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We warmed up with Morning Has Broken, working all parts and getting smooth.
We then played Long, Long Ago once again, and finally with the solo variation.
Next came Donkey Riding, a rather silly song, that gives us some good rhythm practice and opportunity to introduce a Bb chord. A Bb chord takes some time to learn so just work away at it and be patient.
Then, we began working on In The Bleak Midwinter - First on Uke II, a half note bass line, then the melody.
Finally, we selected parts for This Little Light of Mine and began to work through the parts. I have recorded all parts for you so that you can play along to make sure you have the right notes. Please let me know if you have questions. NOTE: Keep in mind that this is a perfect example of how all parts together create something really great while each individual part doesn't sound like much alone.
Assigned parts are below. It looks like we need one more person on Uke II. Anyone want to switch?
(Let me know if you find that you can't be at the Dec 6 BUG Jam)
Uke I: Charley, Pam N, Wendy R. Linda, Carroll*, Suzie*, Jeff F., Criss, Julie
Uke II: Jennifer, Bobbie*, Michael F., Wendy C., Virginia*, Carla
Uke III: Jean, Roger, Sal, Jackie, Fred
Uke IV: Jeff D., Pam M,, Joanne, Michael B.
* will not be at Dec 6 Jam

For Next Week practice:
In The Bleak Midwinter - Key of F
Auwe Ke Aloha E - key of F
This Little Light of Mine - Key of G
Shortnin' Bread - Key of C

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Be Thankful…...

String-a-long and beyond 2014

Without music, life would Bb

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