March 31, 2014
Great rehearsal everyone. I feel like we made a lot of progress.
Practice Notes from Monday Night -
DON'T SING ALOHA WHEN I GO -
* practice your tremolo
* practice (picked) notes in measure 13
* practice (vocal) notes in measure 27-28
* practice strumming and holding your pick at the same time (if you want to do that)
MY GIRL
* practice all the melody notes - you can pick them out on your uke
* practice the "soul" strum
* practice the chords and strum patterns throughout and especially from measure35- the end.
HORNPIPE -
* Uke I - continue to work on measure 22-27 - getting smooth consistant notes (tempo 70)
* Practice with noted dynamics - arrangment on website.
RUNAROUND STU
* LEARN THE WORDS AND CHORDS - Singers need to know the "by heart" in order to get the phrasing right.
* Clappers - Even though it is sluggish, you can practice with the recording (of us) Um-da-da-da-da-da and "the clap" (ha ha)
* New parts are posted on the page.
NEXT WEEK WE WILL PRACTICE -
Bring Me Sunshine
Shimmy Like My Sister Kate -
Drop Baby Drop
My Girl
Era Una Vez - with percussion.
Great rehearsal everyone. I feel like we made a lot of progress.
Practice Notes from Monday Night -
DON'T SING ALOHA WHEN I GO -
* practice your tremolo
* practice (picked) notes in measure 13
* practice (vocal) notes in measure 27-28
* practice strumming and holding your pick at the same time (if you want to do that)
MY GIRL
* practice all the melody notes - you can pick them out on your uke
* practice the "soul" strum
* practice the chords and strum patterns throughout and especially from measure35- the end.
HORNPIPE -
* Uke I - continue to work on measure 22-27 - getting smooth consistant notes (tempo 70)
* Practice with noted dynamics - arrangment on website.
RUNAROUND STU
* LEARN THE WORDS AND CHORDS - Singers need to know the "by heart" in order to get the phrasing right.
* Clappers - Even though it is sluggish, you can practice with the recording (of us) Um-da-da-da-da-da and "the clap" (ha ha)
* New parts are posted on the page.
NEXT WEEK WE WILL PRACTICE -
Bring Me Sunshine
Shimmy Like My Sister Kate -
Drop Baby Drop
My Girl
Era Una Vez - with percussion.
Next Saturday is the South Whatcom Library Opening…. so we should run through a couple of things on the list.
We need to pay BUF for rent again - $40.00 will cover 12 practices, which allows for one extra practice the week before the concert. If you can bring this within the next couple of weeks, that would be great.
For tomorrow please be prepared to practice the songs below and we'll do our best to get through the list.
I Love a Ukulele
De Colores
The MiddleBring Me Sunshine
Shimmy Like My Sister Kate -
Drop Baby Drop
My Girl
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go
We need to pay BUF for rent again - $40.00 will cover 12 practices, which allows for one extra practice the week before the concert. If you can bring this within the next couple of weeks, that would be great.
For tomorrow please be prepared to practice the songs below and we'll do our best to get through the list.
I Love a Ukulele
De Colores
The MiddleBring Me Sunshine
Shimmy Like My Sister Kate -
Drop Baby Drop
My Girl
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go
Upcoming events -
April 12 - play at the Opening of the new Sudden Valley Library 12:30 - set list TBA
April 12 - Creative Blues - a workshop with Michael Gonzalez 3:00 - http://stargroove.com/clinics/blues-uke/
April 27 - Play for Carol's parents 70th Anniversary - 12:00 ish - set list TBA
OTHER THINGS WORTH NOTING:
We will not be playing at the Fair this year because Gail and Terry are being very selfish and treating themselves to a FABULOUS SWING CAMP in Sorento, BC that week - Please be aware that any community group can apply to play at the Fair… so you could put together a group to play on the community stage!
I have posted Kay's Amazing Chocolate Cake recipe.
PLEASE LET ME know if you have ideas for guest artists for our concert.
SEE below (on the set list) for the DRESS CODE for the concert.
April 12 - play at the Opening of the new Sudden Valley Library 12:30 - set list TBA
April 12 - Creative Blues - a workshop with Michael Gonzalez 3:00 - http://stargroove.com/clinics/blues-uke/
April 27 - Play for Carol's parents 70th Anniversary - 12:00 ish - set list TBA
OTHER THINGS WORTH NOTING:
We will not be playing at the Fair this year because Gail and Terry are being very selfish and treating themselves to a FABULOUS SWING CAMP in Sorento, BC that week - Please be aware that any community group can apply to play at the Fair… so you could put together a group to play on the community stage!
I have posted Kay's Amazing Chocolate Cake recipe.
PLEASE LET ME know if you have ideas for guest artists for our concert.
SEE below (on the set list) for the DRESS CODE for the concert.
March 24, 2014
For Next Week please practice:
My Girl
Runaround Stu - A new twist on Runaround Sue - The ladies version. So the introductory lines will be sung by women and all the pronouns have changed (PRINT NEW VERSION) . This will be the same song but we'll just shake it up a bit.
Hornpipe - refining and adding dynamics. Perfecting those tough passages.
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - clean up vocals. This may be another one we can do for April 12 (lLibrary Opening)
For Next Week please practice:
My Girl
Runaround Stu - A new twist on Runaround Sue - The ladies version. So the introductory lines will be sung by women and all the pronouns have changed (PRINT NEW VERSION) . This will be the same song but we'll just shake it up a bit.
Hornpipe - refining and adding dynamics. Perfecting those tough passages.
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - clean up vocals. This may be another one we can do for April 12 (lLibrary Opening)
March 17, 2014
Although we only missed one week of rehearsal (and, oh yeah, a snow day in late FEB), it seems like a long time to me since we played some of those songs. But now we are back at it and will work steadily on these pieces until concert time (JUNE 28).
Bring Me Sunshine - PLEASE work on the closed chords. Last night we were starting to get a nice swing sound with that one, which is the sound we can create with the closed chords. If you are unable or unwilling to learn the chord shapes, please just plan on being a singer for this song. We need strong vocals, too.
My Girl - THANKS TERRY for doing the arrangement for the ending and working it through it with us. I think we made some real progress and can do that song.
Era Una Vez - will work and is within our reach. Now that you have your parts you can work on getting your notes clean and getting your speed up. I have upgraded the 2nd page with harmony to include the dynamics, if you want to print it, or just use it to check your written dynamics. I have also posted the parts assigned.
We will put Let's Cumbia aside for now and save it for another time.
Drop, Baby, Drop - practice the chords and riff at home.
FOR NEXT WEEK be prepared to practice:
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Shimmy like my sister Kate
My Girl
Drop Baby Drop
Era Una Vez
Although we only missed one week of rehearsal (and, oh yeah, a snow day in late FEB), it seems like a long time to me since we played some of those songs. But now we are back at it and will work steadily on these pieces until concert time (JUNE 28).
Bring Me Sunshine - PLEASE work on the closed chords. Last night we were starting to get a nice swing sound with that one, which is the sound we can create with the closed chords. If you are unable or unwilling to learn the chord shapes, please just plan on being a singer for this song. We need strong vocals, too.
My Girl - THANKS TERRY for doing the arrangement for the ending and working it through it with us. I think we made some real progress and can do that song.
Era Una Vez - will work and is within our reach. Now that you have your parts you can work on getting your notes clean and getting your speed up. I have upgraded the 2nd page with harmony to include the dynamics, if you want to print it, or just use it to check your written dynamics. I have also posted the parts assigned.
We will put Let's Cumbia aside for now and save it for another time.
Drop, Baby, Drop - practice the chords and riff at home.
FOR NEXT WEEK be prepared to practice:
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Shimmy like my sister Kate
My Girl
Drop Baby Drop
Era Una Vez
March 10, 2014
Bug has received a request for ukuleles to play at the open Grand Opening of the new South Whatcom Library on Saturday April 12th If enough of our Orchestra can play it would be a good opportunity to play in public some of our new pieces. We would play at either 12:30 or 1:00. Please let me know if you can or cannot make that date. Michael Gonzalez will be doing another (BUG) Blues Workshop on that some day but it will be at 3:00 so any of you who want to take that would be able to do both.
Carol's parents are celebrating there 70th (!!!!!) Anniversary and they would like for us to play for them. The date is April 27 and the time is after church 12:00ish. Please let me know if you can make it.
Next week - Because we have so much music to work on, I am thinking about replacing Let's Cumbia with Era Una Vez that is in Book 2 (pg 6) please practice it this week and bring it to rehearsal next week so we can see if that will come together faster that Let's Cumbia. We can spice it up with percussions, etc. and there is a additional High Harmony for the second page that is posted on the page.
We will also practice My Girl next week. Please make sure you have the most recent arrangement of that song dated 2/23
Also - we will run over Hernando's Hideaway, just to make sure we still remember it so brush up on that this week.
JUNE 28…….. JUNE 28………JUNE 28………JUNE 28…….. MARK THE DATE.
Bug has received a request for ukuleles to play at the open Grand Opening of the new South Whatcom Library on Saturday April 12th If enough of our Orchestra can play it would be a good opportunity to play in public some of our new pieces. We would play at either 12:30 or 1:00. Please let me know if you can or cannot make that date. Michael Gonzalez will be doing another (BUG) Blues Workshop on that some day but it will be at 3:00 so any of you who want to take that would be able to do both.
Carol's parents are celebrating there 70th (!!!!!) Anniversary and they would like for us to play for them. The date is April 27 and the time is after church 12:00ish. Please let me know if you can make it.
Next week - Because we have so much music to work on, I am thinking about replacing Let's Cumbia with Era Una Vez that is in Book 2 (pg 6) please practice it this week and bring it to rehearsal next week so we can see if that will come together faster that Let's Cumbia. We can spice it up with percussions, etc. and there is a additional High Harmony for the second page that is posted on the page.
We will also practice My Girl next week. Please make sure you have the most recent arrangement of that song dated 2/23
Also - we will run over Hernando's Hideaway, just to make sure we still remember it so brush up on that this week.
JUNE 28…….. JUNE 28………JUNE 28………JUNE 28…….. MARK THE DATE.
March 4, 2014
Good Practice everyone ! Here are some notes that I made:
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - work especially on Measure 13, remember entrances (picking and singing) Remember to echo (I'll dream of you..)
Let's Cumbia - work on cleaning up the notes and getting faster.
Shimmy like Kate - melody notes measure 15
Bring Me sunshine - work on the closed chord shapes up the neck in the key of C
Drop Baby - Coming along nicely.
Hornpipe - work on smoothing out measures 24-26
My Girl - make sure you have printed and looked over the new version
Good Practice everyone ! Here are some notes that I made:
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - work especially on Measure 13, remember entrances (picking and singing) Remember to echo (I'll dream of you..)
Let's Cumbia - work on cleaning up the notes and getting faster.
Shimmy like Kate - melody notes measure 15
Bring Me sunshine - work on the closed chord shapes up the neck in the key of C
Drop Baby - Coming along nicely.
Hornpipe - work on smoothing out measures 24-26
My Girl - make sure you have printed and looked over the new version
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Feb 24, 2104 - SNOW DAY !
SO……. Next week for sure (again) for Michael's workshop !
To those who are coming on Thursday:
We play at Whatcom Community College (WCC) at the Syre Community Center. The event starts at 6:30 and we are scheduled to play at 7:40. There will be food and lots of other entertainment going on all evening so come and enjoy.
Please bring and be prepared to play:
Latin Time
Ukulele Lady
The Middle
Hot Tamales
Map of WCC is here
SO……. Next week for sure (again) for Michael's workshop !
To those who are coming on Thursday:
We play at Whatcom Community College (WCC) at the Syre Community Center. The event starts at 6:30 and we are scheduled to play at 7:40. There will be food and lots of other entertainment going on all evening so come and enjoy.
Please bring and be prepared to play:
Latin Time
Ukulele Lady
The Middle
Hot Tamales
Map of WCC is here
February 17, 2014 -
Remember to practice the exercises we talked about at the beginning of class: moving from the V7 chord to the I chord using two shapes (below) and moving around the fretboard. Find the Root of the 7th chord and make the shape, then resolve to the I. Repeat using the circle of 5ths to work your way through all the notes on the E string.
This exercise will help you with learning the notes on the fretboard and with finding shapes to resolve from the V7 to the I (which practically every song does). In future weeks we'll do the same exercise using different shapes.
Let's Cumbia - Pat recorded the Uke I part. Thursday I will post a recording of the Uke II part.
Bring Me Sunshine - you will now find posted a good version of the Jive Aces doing this. Easy to hear - Thanks, Carol.
Shimmy like Kate - work on learning the melody notes.
New version with music notation of My Girl
Your choices to play for International Night at WCC are: Latin Time, Hot Tamales, and The Middle. (I'd like to test The Middle next week just to be sure that it sounds impressive and reggae(ish) without the bass (since Terry won't be there).
Remember to practice the exercises we talked about at the beginning of class: moving from the V7 chord to the I chord using two shapes (below) and moving around the fretboard. Find the Root of the 7th chord and make the shape, then resolve to the I. Repeat using the circle of 5ths to work your way through all the notes on the E string.
This exercise will help you with learning the notes on the fretboard and with finding shapes to resolve from the V7 to the I (which practically every song does). In future weeks we'll do the same exercise using different shapes.
Let's Cumbia - Pat recorded the Uke I part. Thursday I will post a recording of the Uke II part.
Bring Me Sunshine - you will now find posted a good version of the Jive Aces doing this. Easy to hear - Thanks, Carol.
Shimmy like Kate - work on learning the melody notes.
New version with music notation of My Girl
Your choices to play for International Night at WCC are: Latin Time, Hot Tamales, and The Middle. (I'd like to test The Middle next week just to be sure that it sounds impressive and reggae(ish) without the bass (since Terry won't be there).
For those attending the RV Rally on Saturday Night in Ferndale, meet at Chihuahua Restaurant in Ferndale at 5:00. We will have $150.00 to spend on dinner. There may be 10-12 of us there so plan to pay for your own drinks and we may have to put in some extra for tip, tax, etc. The RV Park is at 6335 Portal Way, Ferndale.
Set List Below. We will probably not play all of these songs but I just included everything that is in the Community Song Book and a few of our Orchestra pieces.
MONDAY NIGHT please bring the pieces we have been working on and:
I Wish That I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - If you would like to try singing the solo verse at the beginning, please find the lyrics on the Shimmy Page, listen to Betty Grable's version, and let me know.
Bring Me Sunshine -
Attached below are the pages that Michael sent.
Set List Below. We will probably not play all of these songs but I just included everything that is in the Community Song Book and a few of our Orchestra pieces.
MONDAY NIGHT please bring the pieces we have been working on and:
I Wish That I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - If you would like to try singing the solo verse at the beginning, please find the lyrics on the Shimmy Page, listen to Betty Grable's version, and let me know.
Bring Me Sunshine -
Attached below are the pages that Michael sent.
Feb 3, 2014
Some Things coming up this month:
Feb 15, Saturday at 7:00 in Ferndale - RV Rally - very casual, part perform, part sing-a-long. We will be paid $150.00 for this gig and I thought we could use the money to take those who perform out to dinner before the event…. or we could divide up the $$$. So far committed to this event: Char, Terry, Patti, Kay, Evelyn, Katrina, Pat. PLEASE let me know if you are able to/or not able to attend this so that I can plan our set.
Feb 27, Thursday at 7:40 - International Night at WCC 6:30 -9:00 - Should be interesting with participation from International Students and folks from our community. This is a 10 minutes performance at about 7:40, 2-3 songs. For this we get free FOOD and tickets to win prizes in the drawings. So far committed to this event are: Patti, Suzanne, Evelyn, Karen, Carol, Carisa, Kay, Pat. PLEASE let me know if you are able to/ or not able to attend this so that I can plan our set.
New version (again) of Don't Sing Aloha When I Go with correct chords. The notes have not changed. I have dated the music (2.4.14) on the lower right corner so that you can keep track of which one you have.
Parts for Let's Cumbia are now on the webpage.
My Girl -
Hormpipe
Drop Baby Drop
I Wish That I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - now on the website
For the concert on JUNE 28 we will also be doing these two so continue to keep them in your practice routine.
Alexander's
Hernando's Hideaway
Some Things coming up this month:
Feb 15, Saturday at 7:00 in Ferndale - RV Rally - very casual, part perform, part sing-a-long. We will be paid $150.00 for this gig and I thought we could use the money to take those who perform out to dinner before the event…. or we could divide up the $$$. So far committed to this event: Char, Terry, Patti, Kay, Evelyn, Katrina, Pat. PLEASE let me know if you are able to/or not able to attend this so that I can plan our set.
Feb 27, Thursday at 7:40 - International Night at WCC 6:30 -9:00 - Should be interesting with participation from International Students and folks from our community. This is a 10 minutes performance at about 7:40, 2-3 songs. For this we get free FOOD and tickets to win prizes in the drawings. So far committed to this event are: Patti, Suzanne, Evelyn, Karen, Carol, Carisa, Kay, Pat. PLEASE let me know if you are able to/ or not able to attend this so that I can plan our set.
New version (again) of Don't Sing Aloha When I Go with correct chords. The notes have not changed. I have dated the music (2.4.14) on the lower right corner so that you can keep track of which one you have.
Parts for Let's Cumbia are now on the webpage.
My Girl -
Hormpipe
Drop Baby Drop
I Wish That I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - now on the website
For the concert on JUNE 28 we will also be doing these two so continue to keep them in your practice routine.
Alexander's
Hernando's Hideaway
Some ideas (subject to change) for the new season. Please understand that some of this music is still rough, subject to change and arrangement.
My Girl
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go
Drop, Baby, Drop
Basin Street Blues
Hornpipe from Book 3
Bring Me Sunshine
Here Comes the Sun
I Wish That I Could Shimmy LIke My Sister Kate
My Girl
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go
Drop, Baby, Drop
Basin Street Blues
Hornpipe from Book 3
Bring Me Sunshine
Here Comes the Sun
I Wish That I Could Shimmy LIke My Sister Kate
January 27,
We are at the point where progress seems slow while we are learning new things. Be patient with yourselves and with me and have faith that it will all work out in the end - well enough, anyway. Most songs will steadily improve, some with get tossed out, if they don't work. If I have made mistakes on the parts/arrangements or left someone out, please let me know.
Parts for Drop Baby Drop are available and I have re-written the words so that they are in our arrangment order. click on the .doc file
My Girl, parts are posted as are notes and tabs for the riffs, plus a new riff that will be part of the transition.
Hornpipe is going to be beautiful. Please work on getting a full rich sustained sound by using a downward (toward the floor and landing on the next string) thumb strum. Try not to pluck the string out and away from the uke.
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - I have changed the time signature for this song in the hope that it will be easier to read and less likely to drag. The notes are exactly the same except that I have used quarter and eighth notes instead of half and quarter so the count will be slower. Shoot for a tempo at about 76.
NEW SONG - Let's Cumbia - In 2 parts Listen to it, print out and practice.
We are at the point where progress seems slow while we are learning new things. Be patient with yourselves and with me and have faith that it will all work out in the end - well enough, anyway. Most songs will steadily improve, some with get tossed out, if they don't work. If I have made mistakes on the parts/arrangements or left someone out, please let me know.
Parts for Drop Baby Drop are available and I have re-written the words so that they are in our arrangment order. click on the .doc file
My Girl, parts are posted as are notes and tabs for the riffs, plus a new riff that will be part of the transition.
Hornpipe is going to be beautiful. Please work on getting a full rich sustained sound by using a downward (toward the floor and landing on the next string) thumb strum. Try not to pluck the string out and away from the uke.
Don't Sing Aloha When I Go - I have changed the time signature for this song in the hope that it will be easier to read and less likely to drag. The notes are exactly the same except that I have used quarter and eighth notes instead of half and quarter so the count will be slower. Shoot for a tempo at about 76.
NEW SONG - Let's Cumbia - In 2 parts Listen to it, print out and practice.
GOLD STARS ALL AROUND - I really appreciate the work you put into preparing for the Orchestra "personal assessment" and I can really notice that we are improving steadily as a group and that each or you is improving individually.
Remember that new skills just require practice (some more than others) and if you even practice for 1 minute every day on your tremelo, triplet, scales, strum, you will notice improvement quite quickly. Less so if you practice that skill only once a week.
I think all three songs we introduced Monday Night have potential for our early summer concert - MARK the date - June 28.
Drop Baby Drop - work on the strum, and the riff. There is now an audio sample of these on the page. Also listen to the harmonies on the Langely Ensemble version. Remember that next week we'll decide who will play chords and who will play the riff and who will sing lead, and harmony parts. Even if you don't play chords with the Orchestra on this, this is a very good strum to have in your repertoire.
Don't Sing Aloha when I go - practice your tremolo, which we will use on half notes. Also listen to the recording and become familiar with the melody and listen to the harmonies.
My girl - practice your major pentatonic scales C, F, D and G.
Also - review Hornpipe as you have time and you could begin to learn the chord in Bring Me Sunshine AND the notes for Here Comes the Sun (this is still and imcomplete version but there is plenty to start with).
Remember that new skills just require practice (some more than others) and if you even practice for 1 minute every day on your tremelo, triplet, scales, strum, you will notice improvement quite quickly. Less so if you practice that skill only once a week.
I think all three songs we introduced Monday Night have potential for our early summer concert - MARK the date - June 28.
Drop Baby Drop - work on the strum, and the riff. There is now an audio sample of these on the page. Also listen to the harmonies on the Langely Ensemble version. Remember that next week we'll decide who will play chords and who will play the riff and who will sing lead, and harmony parts. Even if you don't play chords with the Orchestra on this, this is a very good strum to have in your repertoire.
Don't Sing Aloha when I go - practice your tremolo, which we will use on half notes. Also listen to the recording and become familiar with the melody and listen to the harmonies.
My girl - practice your major pentatonic scales C, F, D and G.
Also - review Hornpipe as you have time and you could begin to learn the chord in Bring Me Sunshine AND the notes for Here Comes the Sun (this is still and imcomplete version but there is plenty to start with).
January 6, - 3 Kings Day in Guadlajara,
Just to clarify - our first night back the "personal assessment" of the BUG-e requirements that I talked about will not be playing in front of the group. My plan is that each of you will sit with someone in the group (of your choice), and play through the requirements for each other - no pressure, very casual. However, I am hoping that you use this "assessment" as an opportunity to solidify on the chords/skills on the list. The list of requirments is here. This assessment will not take the entire rehearsal time and we will begin to look as some of the new music and review harmonized scales in order to be prepared for Michael Gonzales workshop with us on Jan 27.
Other Important news - As of Jan 2014, we will be called Bellingham Ukulele Orchestra. It will take me a while to change things on the website, etc., but I will work on that when we get home.
Just to clarify - our first night back the "personal assessment" of the BUG-e requirements that I talked about will not be playing in front of the group. My plan is that each of you will sit with someone in the group (of your choice), and play through the requirements for each other - no pressure, very casual. However, I am hoping that you use this "assessment" as an opportunity to solidify on the chords/skills on the list. The list of requirments is here. This assessment will not take the entire rehearsal time and we will begin to look as some of the new music and review harmonized scales in order to be prepared for Michael Gonzales workshop with us on Jan 27.
Other Important news - As of Jan 2014, we will be called Bellingham Ukulele Orchestra. It will take me a while to change things on the website, etc., but I will work on that when we get home.
Monday Dec. 9,
Thanks so much to all of you for coming out on another cold night. We ran over a few places in our music that needed a little review and then we had a very good talk about our ideas and plans for 2014.
The music we worked on was as follows:
Winter Wonderland - the bridge, just a little more practice on that.
Carol of the Bells - The tempo and the ending. Be careful not to speed up at the very beginning and on measures 13 - 28. Be sure to leave one full measure of rest before the ending and then watch Gail for the notes at the end.
Santa Baby - vocals, be sure to be ready for the repeats for our outro.
Hineh Ma Tov - Intro: 4 measure of chords only (Jim Pat and Marc only) I have forgotten this intro so far this season but for the library I will try to remind you. Be Joyful, don't bog down and pay attention at the transition from 3/4 t0 4/4 - It sounds really good.
Set list for the library (in order) is below. I will not alter or mess around with the order for the library and I will be making introductions between songs while you get ready for the next song on the list.
For Allied Arts on Saturday we will use the original Holiday Set List (below the libarary list).
NOTES from our talk about 2014 are below. I will be sending out a survey this week which will allow each of you to express your ideas/concerns in writing after having some time to think about it.
We will reconvene on January 20, 2014 (Pat and I will be in Mexico from Dec 22 to Jan 18)
* On Jan 20 I would like to spend some time doing a self test (with others in the Ensemble) of the Ensemble Requirements. Please spend time during the break to review and practice these requirements. This does not mean that you must be perfect at every skill but that you are working on them. Everyone should know all of the chords listed. It takes some review since some of the chords are not used very often in our music.
Find the requirements here.
* We discusssed whether we want to do another concert next year and the opinion over was strongly - but not unanimously -YES. We talked about venues and possibly looking for a venue in the north of the city/county for a second concert. We noted that doing a concert means learning a lot of new music during the winter/spring.
* There has been some discussion about changing the name of our group. Perhaps using Bellingham Ukulele Orchestra of Ukulele Orchesra of Bellingham, or …. something else. The purpose of this would be to make it clear that we are not the same as BUG. With our current name it is hard to see the distinction. We would probably also have our own logo and t-shirts.
* We have $400.00 in the bank. $200.00 from the Fair and $200.00 from the Sudden Valley Ladies luncheon last week.
* I plan to have Michael Gonzales do a workshop for our group only - probably on Jan 27. Perhaps in harmonized scales or advanced chord theory but I would like your ideas. He will charge $20.00 per head which will be calculated into th rent fees as we did with Ann McDonald last year.
* We talked about music for the new year. Some ideas Terry and I discussed in our planning are My girl, Don't Sing Aloha When I go, A classical piece, A march, Spanish Harlem, Basin St Blues, Making Love Ukulele Style, Price Tag.
ideas from last night were: A cowboy song, Everly brothers song, Neil Diamond song, etc.
Thanks so much to all of you for coming out on another cold night. We ran over a few places in our music that needed a little review and then we had a very good talk about our ideas and plans for 2014.
The music we worked on was as follows:
Winter Wonderland - the bridge, just a little more practice on that.
Carol of the Bells - The tempo and the ending. Be careful not to speed up at the very beginning and on measures 13 - 28. Be sure to leave one full measure of rest before the ending and then watch Gail for the notes at the end.
Santa Baby - vocals, be sure to be ready for the repeats for our outro.
Hineh Ma Tov - Intro: 4 measure of chords only (Jim Pat and Marc only) I have forgotten this intro so far this season but for the library I will try to remind you. Be Joyful, don't bog down and pay attention at the transition from 3/4 t0 4/4 - It sounds really good.
Set list for the library (in order) is below. I will not alter or mess around with the order for the library and I will be making introductions between songs while you get ready for the next song on the list.
For Allied Arts on Saturday we will use the original Holiday Set List (below the libarary list).
NOTES from our talk about 2014 are below. I will be sending out a survey this week which will allow each of you to express your ideas/concerns in writing after having some time to think about it.
We will reconvene on January 20, 2014 (Pat and I will be in Mexico from Dec 22 to Jan 18)
* On Jan 20 I would like to spend some time doing a self test (with others in the Ensemble) of the Ensemble Requirements. Please spend time during the break to review and practice these requirements. This does not mean that you must be perfect at every skill but that you are working on them. Everyone should know all of the chords listed. It takes some review since some of the chords are not used very often in our music.
Find the requirements here.
* We discusssed whether we want to do another concert next year and the opinion over was strongly - but not unanimously -YES. We talked about venues and possibly looking for a venue in the north of the city/county for a second concert. We noted that doing a concert means learning a lot of new music during the winter/spring.
* There has been some discussion about changing the name of our group. Perhaps using Bellingham Ukulele Orchestra of Ukulele Orchesra of Bellingham, or …. something else. The purpose of this would be to make it clear that we are not the same as BUG. With our current name it is hard to see the distinction. We would probably also have our own logo and t-shirts.
* We have $400.00 in the bank. $200.00 from the Fair and $200.00 from the Sudden Valley Ladies luncheon last week.
* I plan to have Michael Gonzales do a workshop for our group only - probably on Jan 27. Perhaps in harmonized scales or advanced chord theory but I would like your ideas. He will charge $20.00 per head which will be calculated into th rent fees as we did with Ann McDonald last year.
* We talked about music for the new year. Some ideas Terry and I discussed in our planning are My girl, Don't Sing Aloha When I go, A classical piece, A march, Spanish Harlem, Basin St Blues, Making Love Ukulele Style, Price Tag.
ideas from last night were: A cowboy song, Everly brothers song, Neil Diamond song, etc.
Dec 2 - Happy Birthday to TERRY -
Good rehearsal everyone. Thanks for coming out on a very CHILLY evening.
Our Holiday "gigs" and parties start this week-end - please wear Festive red or green (Christmas) tops and black pants (or skirts). Also bring Hakus for Yellow Bird and Ukulele Lady and Mele Kalikimaka and whatever else you like.
Thursday Dec 5, we have the Sudden Valley Women's Club annual "Holiday Gala" and it is held at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. This is on Meridian, just south of I-5. The entrance is across Meridian from the Rodeway Inn and the Meridian Dental Center. We should start playing no later than 11:30. We will be provided with lunch at about 12:00 and then play some more at about 12:30.
Then on Saturday Dec 7 at 11:00 we have Kay's Craft Fair A Hand Crafted Christmas (Kay's Fair) 4600 Guide Meridian # 106, Bellingham, WA 98226 - Also on December 7, at 3:00 the BUG Christmas Party - we'll play Santa Baby and Winter Wonderland. Bring snacks to share (finger food).
Set List in order is below
SOME NOTES FROM LAST NIGHT - Ukulele Lady Remember the swaying Palm Frond strum and watch me for the tempo. Mele Kalikimaka - We added a Tacet after the D7 on measure 23.
Good rehearsal everyone. Thanks for coming out on a very CHILLY evening.
Our Holiday "gigs" and parties start this week-end - please wear Festive red or green (Christmas) tops and black pants (or skirts). Also bring Hakus for Yellow Bird and Ukulele Lady and Mele Kalikimaka and whatever else you like.
Thursday Dec 5, we have the Sudden Valley Women's Club annual "Holiday Gala" and it is held at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. This is on Meridian, just south of I-5. The entrance is across Meridian from the Rodeway Inn and the Meridian Dental Center. We should start playing no later than 11:30. We will be provided with lunch at about 12:00 and then play some more at about 12:30.
Then on Saturday Dec 7 at 11:00 we have Kay's Craft Fair A Hand Crafted Christmas (Kay's Fair) 4600 Guide Meridian # 106, Bellingham, WA 98226 - Also on December 7, at 3:00 the BUG Christmas Party - we'll play Santa Baby and Winter Wonderland. Bring snacks to share (finger food).
Set List in order is below
SOME NOTES FROM LAST NIGHT - Ukulele Lady Remember the swaying Palm Frond strum and watch me for the tempo. Mele Kalikimaka - We added a Tacet after the D7 on measure 23.
Nov. 18,
A few notes from Monday night - a good rehearsal
Winter Wonderland tempo changed to 80 - sounds good. When you practice, start with the bridge.
Alexander's - Uke I - be strong! You need to sound like 6 ukes. Pratice your challenging parts - you know where they are. Singers be ready to come in on the repeat of the HEAD
Hineh Ma Tov - NEW INTRO: 4 measures of Dm chords only. Start soft - be joyful when we get to 4/4 part, look up and SMILE!
The Middle - Singers come in pretty singing from your diaphram - not your throat. This song if very solid - and fun!
Yellow Bird - Remember the Alamo! - Oh….. not the Alamo…. the CODA !!
I Love a Ukulele - good and solid. Uke solo - run through your solo at least once every day!
A few notes from Monday night - a good rehearsal
Winter Wonderland tempo changed to 80 - sounds good. When you practice, start with the bridge.
Alexander's - Uke I - be strong! You need to sound like 6 ukes. Pratice your challenging parts - you know where they are. Singers be ready to come in on the repeat of the HEAD
Hineh Ma Tov - NEW INTRO: 4 measures of Dm chords only. Start soft - be joyful when we get to 4/4 part, look up and SMILE!
The Middle - Singers come in pretty singing from your diaphram - not your throat. This song if very solid - and fun!
Yellow Bird - Remember the Alamo! - Oh….. not the Alamo…. the CODA !!
I Love a Ukulele - good and solid. Uke solo - run through your solo at least once every day!
Nov. 11
Winter Wonderland sounds great with (almost) the whole ensemble. Can't wait to hear it with Terry and Char next week! I have made some corrections to Winter Wonderland. It is not necessary to reprint it as long as you have noted - 2 corrected notes in Uke III in m 20, add a repeat back to m 14, the outro (repeat last line).
We'll be working intensely on the set list for the holiday season (below) We have 3 more reheasals before our first "gig" on Dec 5.
The rehearsal schedule for these weeks is below. We'll run through Winter Wonderland at least once every week since it is new for us and bring all music with you each week, just in case…...
Nov 18 -
Alexander's
HIneh Ma Tov
I Love a Ukulele
Winter Wonderland
The MIddle
Nov. 25 -
Hernando's
Santa Baby
Yellow Bird
Holly Jolly
Love Potion
Dec 2 -
Carol of Bells
Mele kalikimaka
Runaround Sue
Jingle Bell Rock
Hot Tamales
Ukulele Lady
Winter Wonderland sounds great with (almost) the whole ensemble. Can't wait to hear it with Terry and Char next week! I have made some corrections to Winter Wonderland. It is not necessary to reprint it as long as you have noted - 2 corrected notes in Uke III in m 20, add a repeat back to m 14, the outro (repeat last line).
We'll be working intensely on the set list for the holiday season (below) We have 3 more reheasals before our first "gig" on Dec 5.
The rehearsal schedule for these weeks is below. We'll run through Winter Wonderland at least once every week since it is new for us and bring all music with you each week, just in case…...
Nov 18 -
Alexander's
HIneh Ma Tov
I Love a Ukulele
Winter Wonderland
The MIddle
Nov. 25 -
Hernando's
Santa Baby
Yellow Bird
Holly Jolly
Love Potion
Dec 2 -
Carol of Bells
Mele kalikimaka
Runaround Sue
Jingle Bell Rock
Hot Tamales
Ukulele Lady
November 4, 2013
Fun rehearsal everyone. There were 5 people absent but we sounded like a full ensemble - nice work!
Warmed-up with Never On Sunday - great picking and tremelo practice
Then Winter Wonderland which I think will work very fine. I can't wait to try it with the full group next week.
There is an Mp3 of the Uke I part for Winter Wonderland foryou to play along with. It's a little weird playing the harmony parts without the uke I
We practice some Christmas songs that we have not played since last year:
Holly Jolly Christmas
JIngle Bell Rock
Santa Baby …. practice all of these songs at home and they will come back to their former glory in no time.
Yellow Bird - is getting better and better as is Hineh Ma Tov
NEXT WEEK - be prepared to play Winter Wonderland and ………. anything on the Holiday Set List (below).
Fun rehearsal everyone. There were 5 people absent but we sounded like a full ensemble - nice work!
Warmed-up with Never On Sunday - great picking and tremelo practice
Then Winter Wonderland which I think will work very fine. I can't wait to try it with the full group next week.
There is an Mp3 of the Uke I part for Winter Wonderland foryou to play along with. It's a little weird playing the harmony parts without the uke I
We practice some Christmas songs that we have not played since last year:
Holly Jolly Christmas
JIngle Bell Rock
Santa Baby …. practice all of these songs at home and they will come back to their former glory in no time.
Yellow Bird - is getting better and better as is Hineh Ma Tov
NEXT WEEK - be prepared to play Winter Wonderland and ………. anything on the Holiday Set List (below).
October 28, 2013
Notes From Monday Night:
Hineh Ma Tov - start softish and build to a big finale.
On split part need stronger A players
Tamborine comes in on 4/4 section
Yellow Bird - pickers - much better on entries last night. Keep it up
Vocals - remember to come in on Coda - there is not much of a rest.
Stummers - work on your Dm7 chord to get a good sound
All - fading on Coda - light tremolo to cut off
Alexander's - Need STRONG Uke I - Better last night
Concentrate on Playing together - especially on repeat (during singing) I think out seatin chart will reflect parts for this piece.
Hernando's - practice your notes often. Measures 18-35
FOR NEXT WEEK -
Please bring Never on Sunday - We have not played this piece yet but will work on it next week some. Try playing all parts and think about which works best for you.
Also - continue to practice your scales - Bb scale in thirds.
Copy the list below and put the music in a folder. We will be be preparing this list of songs for the holiday season
Notes From Monday Night:
Hineh Ma Tov - start softish and build to a big finale.
On split part need stronger A players
Tamborine comes in on 4/4 section
Yellow Bird - pickers - much better on entries last night. Keep it up
Vocals - remember to come in on Coda - there is not much of a rest.
Stummers - work on your Dm7 chord to get a good sound
All - fading on Coda - light tremolo to cut off
Alexander's - Need STRONG Uke I - Better last night
Concentrate on Playing together - especially on repeat (during singing) I think out seatin chart will reflect parts for this piece.
Hernando's - practice your notes often. Measures 18-35
FOR NEXT WEEK -
Please bring Never on Sunday - We have not played this piece yet but will work on it next week some. Try playing all parts and think about which works best for you.
Also - continue to practice your scales - Bb scale in thirds.
Copy the list below and put the music in a folder. We will be be preparing this list of songs for the holiday season
October 14, 2013
Yes! You are right that we only have one more rehearsal before playing for the Poetry Alive benefit on October 27. So….. Next week we'll spend the rehearsal making sure we are prepared. For this event we will play the best 4-5 songs from the list below. Please be well prepared to play all of these songs next week.
Runaround Sue
Tequila'
Hot Tamales
Latin Time
Carol of the Bells
The Middle
Work on Jim's arrangement of A' Soulin' and we'll work out road map for that next time.
Yellow Bird - practice your part on this please and if you are singing be sure to practice the second verse.
Continue working on the F scale in thirds ….. and then start on your scales that begin on the G string - the Bb major scale!
Find the page of scales on the exercises page marked ….. Scales!
Also …. find Karen's recording of the pronunciation of the words for Hineh Ma Tov on the page now.
BUG Music Circle tomorrow (10/16) at the Roeder Home - 7:00.
Intro to Blues Ukulele workshop with Michael Gonzales on November 16 - Info here: http://stargroove.com/clinics/blues-uke/
I will see some of you in Langley on Friday!
Gail
Yes! You are right that we only have one more rehearsal before playing for the Poetry Alive benefit on October 27. So….. Next week we'll spend the rehearsal making sure we are prepared. For this event we will play the best 4-5 songs from the list below. Please be well prepared to play all of these songs next week.
Runaround Sue
Tequila'
Hot Tamales
Latin Time
Carol of the Bells
The Middle
Work on Jim's arrangement of A' Soulin' and we'll work out road map for that next time.
Yellow Bird - practice your part on this please and if you are singing be sure to practice the second verse.
Continue working on the F scale in thirds ….. and then start on your scales that begin on the G string - the Bb major scale!
Find the page of scales on the exercises page marked ….. Scales!
Also …. find Karen's recording of the pronunciation of the words for Hineh Ma Tov on the page now.
BUG Music Circle tomorrow (10/16) at the Roeder Home - 7:00.
Intro to Blues Ukulele workshop with Michael Gonzales on November 16 - Info here: http://stargroove.com/clinics/blues-uke/
I will see some of you in Langley on Friday!
Gail
October 7, 2013
I hope you all can appreciate how good Hornpipe sounds and how well you can now play it. I really want to add some classical music to our repertoire and plan to do so after Christmas (maybe something from James' new book?)
Next week we will try out Jim's arrangement of A' Soulin'. The Pdf is available as well as a recording.
The calendar has been updated with our engagements including times:
The list for St. James is below. And FYI: The proposed December 10 concert at the Fairhaven library in not happening (scheduling conflict). On Dec 13 at the Main downtown library we will play at 7:00. The other acts are Mark Kelly’s KidSax Quartet, BUG, and Calyx, a female acappella group.
We decided to have Michael Gonzales for a workshop after the first of the year. Check out his site.
For next week:
Continue to practice the F scale in thirds. Practice moving up and down the neck and practice the pattern beginning on other notes (on the C string).
We'll rehearse Alexander's, Hineh Ma Tov, Hernando's Hideaway, A' Soulin'
I hope you all can appreciate how good Hornpipe sounds and how well you can now play it. I really want to add some classical music to our repertoire and plan to do so after Christmas (maybe something from James' new book?)
Next week we will try out Jim's arrangement of A' Soulin'. The Pdf is available as well as a recording.
The calendar has been updated with our engagements including times:
The list for St. James is below. And FYI: The proposed December 10 concert at the Fairhaven library in not happening (scheduling conflict). On Dec 13 at the Main downtown library we will play at 7:00. The other acts are Mark Kelly’s KidSax Quartet, BUG, and Calyx, a female acappella group.
We decided to have Michael Gonzales for a workshop after the first of the year. Check out his site.
For next week:
Continue to practice the F scale in thirds. Practice moving up and down the neck and practice the pattern beginning on other notes (on the C string).
We'll rehearse Alexander's, Hineh Ma Tov, Hernando's Hideaway, A' Soulin'
September 30, 2013 -
Scales, Scales, Scales - Never underestimate the power of practicing scales. This week practice the across the neck pattern in thirds. Do it in first position and then practice it out of first position starting on any note on the C string. Also try Marcy Marxer's idea that Terry presented - play scales on one string (at a time) starting with the C scale and the work your way around the circle of 5ths (either way). For example: play a C scale on the C sting, then an F scale on the C string, then a Bb scale on the C string, etc. I find it very useful to say aloud the note names as I play them. This will help you learn the circle of 5ths and the notes on the fretboard. You can use a mnemonic to help remember the order of the circle of 5ths, as Marcy does.
Great job play The Middle without the paper!
Also Bella Bocca Polka seems easy for you now.
Yellow Bird - G is a much better key for singing so we will stick with that. There were a few corrections (facets. words, one chord change) so you might want to print out a new copy. The new version has been spread out so that it is easier to read ( I hope).
Hineh Ma Tov - please spend some time learning the words this week. It's only one phrase and will begin to flow easily if you practice it a bit
When you practice Carol of the Bells, go for a warm full sound by using the fleshy part of your thumb and plucking down toward the floor. Remember to practice those runs that are the only challenging part of this song - other than the tempo.
Also practice this week - Hornpipe (pg 12, book 3) and we will play it in class next week.
OTHER PIECES to practice FOR NEXT WEEK; I Love A Ukulele, Alexander's, Lady Madonna
Scales, Scales, Scales - Never underestimate the power of practicing scales. This week practice the across the neck pattern in thirds. Do it in first position and then practice it out of first position starting on any note on the C string. Also try Marcy Marxer's idea that Terry presented - play scales on one string (at a time) starting with the C scale and the work your way around the circle of 5ths (either way). For example: play a C scale on the C sting, then an F scale on the C string, then a Bb scale on the C string, etc. I find it very useful to say aloud the note names as I play them. This will help you learn the circle of 5ths and the notes on the fretboard. You can use a mnemonic to help remember the order of the circle of 5ths, as Marcy does.
Great job play The Middle without the paper!
Also Bella Bocca Polka seems easy for you now.
Yellow Bird - G is a much better key for singing so we will stick with that. There were a few corrections (facets. words, one chord change) so you might want to print out a new copy. The new version has been spread out so that it is easier to read ( I hope).
Hineh Ma Tov - please spend some time learning the words this week. It's only one phrase and will begin to flow easily if you practice it a bit
When you practice Carol of the Bells, go for a warm full sound by using the fleshy part of your thumb and plucking down toward the floor. Remember to practice those runs that are the only challenging part of this song - other than the tempo.
Also practice this week - Hornpipe (pg 12, book 3) and we will play it in class next week.
OTHER PIECES to practice FOR NEXT WEEK; I Love A Ukulele, Alexander's, Lady Madonna
September 23, 2013
Try this - Begin your practice by spending 2 minutes on the major pentatonic scale pattern and then 2 minutes on the minor pentatonic scale pattern . Use any starting note (the root) and then move it up and down the fret board. Then try naming the notes of the scales you are playing. You can begin with C and the next time begin with D, then E, etc.
Next - play major chords and then add one note to make it's relative minor. Use the circle of 5th below to help find the relative minor chord. For example, play the F major chord the add a D to make it a Dm (the relative minor of F). work your way as far around the circle of 5ths as you can.
Try this - Begin your practice by spending 2 minutes on the major pentatonic scale pattern and then 2 minutes on the minor pentatonic scale pattern . Use any starting note (the root) and then move it up and down the fret board. Then try naming the notes of the scales you are playing. You can begin with C and the next time begin with D, then E, etc.
Next - play major chords and then add one note to make it's relative minor. Use the circle of 5th below to help find the relative minor chord. For example, play the F major chord the add a D to make it a Dm (the relative minor of F). work your way as far around the circle of 5ths as you can.
NEXT - Practice scales across the neck beginning on the C string. First the scale and then the scale in thirds. Use the scales page that says "a bunch of scales" to get started. We wil review these scales in class next week
Next Monday - please bring Book 3 and practice Bella Bocca Polka (pg 34) to play for next week. Remember that there is a key change in the middle of the song. We'll go over Yellow Bird again, Hineh Ma Tov, Carol of the Bells, and we'll try the Ukestration arrangement of Price Tag again and see how it goes. You will find the Mp3 recording and the lyrics and the music for the riff here.
***** We have only 1 hour and 45 minutes each week to try to learn new songs, work on skills and and get our repertoire ready to perform. We don't have time for individual skills practice. Please put in your practice time at home so that we can work on ensemble playing on Monday night. Use the requirements page to help you know what you need to work on.
Thanks,
Gail
***** We have only 1 hour and 45 minutes each week to try to learn new songs, work on skills and and get our repertoire ready to perform. We don't have time for individual skills practice. Please put in your practice time at home so that we can work on ensemble playing on Monday night. Use the requirements page to help you know what you need to work on.
Thanks,
Gail
September 16,
We began by reviewing the pattern for the major pentatonic scale and then continued by practicing the minor pentatonic scale.
****Remember that the notes of the major pentatonic scale are the same as it's relative minor. For example, the notes of the F major pentatonic are the same as the notes of the Dm pentatonic. This is because these two keys (F and Dm) share the same notes. Both keys have one flat (Bb). The beginning note of the scale is different (F and D respectively) and the intervals between the degrees (notes) of the scale are different, but they share the same notes.
Try playing around with improvising in the key of C using the C major pentatonic and the Am pentatonic. Or use the keys of F and Dm as we did Monday night. I have put some backing tracks from you tubeffor you to try improvising along with on the exercises page.
*** It is always a good idea to review your chord composition by disecting chords and identifying the root (1) the 3 and the 5 and (with a dominant 7 chord) the 7. Make sure you know the note name and their function in the chord (1,3 (major or minor),5, etc).
Yellow Bird - please work on the chords - fast change to Fdim from F and Gm7 to C7 in the middle of the measure. These two changes are a bit challenging because they come in the middle of the irregular calypso strum. That is your work: to keep the strum going and make the chord changes in the middle of the measure. Also pick the notes to learn the melody and the rhythm of the melody. Please remember that two 8th notes tied together are equal to a quarter note.
Alexander's - singers - work on learning the melody which are exactly the notes of the Uke I part. Everyone continue to refine you parts. Next time we practice this we will work on the timing and playing together.
Dates to remember:
Oct 12 - informal playing at St James Prebyterian - in the afternoon probably. could be anytime between 9 and 5.
Oct 27 - a few songs for the benefit for the writing program and the detention center. 7:00pm
Dec 5 - playing for the Sudden Valley Women's club luncheon - 12:30 at the Gold and Country Club. Probably includes lunch.
Dec 10 - Fairhaven Library event - time TBA
Dec 13 - B'ham Public Library event - time TBA
A tentative list for the Season is posted. You do not need to bring other songs to rehearsal unless I let you know but it is a good idea to get these songs out and go over them as you have time.
We began by reviewing the pattern for the major pentatonic scale and then continued by practicing the minor pentatonic scale.
****Remember that the notes of the major pentatonic scale are the same as it's relative minor. For example, the notes of the F major pentatonic are the same as the notes of the Dm pentatonic. This is because these two keys (F and Dm) share the same notes. Both keys have one flat (Bb). The beginning note of the scale is different (F and D respectively) and the intervals between the degrees (notes) of the scale are different, but they share the same notes.
Try playing around with improvising in the key of C using the C major pentatonic and the Am pentatonic. Or use the keys of F and Dm as we did Monday night. I have put some backing tracks from you tubeffor you to try improvising along with on the exercises page.
*** It is always a good idea to review your chord composition by disecting chords and identifying the root (1) the 3 and the 5 and (with a dominant 7 chord) the 7. Make sure you know the note name and their function in the chord (1,3 (major or minor),5, etc).
Yellow Bird - please work on the chords - fast change to Fdim from F and Gm7 to C7 in the middle of the measure. These two changes are a bit challenging because they come in the middle of the irregular calypso strum. That is your work: to keep the strum going and make the chord changes in the middle of the measure. Also pick the notes to learn the melody and the rhythm of the melody. Please remember that two 8th notes tied together are equal to a quarter note.
Alexander's - singers - work on learning the melody which are exactly the notes of the Uke I part. Everyone continue to refine you parts. Next time we practice this we will work on the timing and playing together.
Dates to remember:
Oct 12 - informal playing at St James Prebyterian - in the afternoon probably. could be anytime between 9 and 5.
Oct 27 - a few songs for the benefit for the writing program and the detention center. 7:00pm
Dec 5 - playing for the Sudden Valley Women's club luncheon - 12:30 at the Gold and Country Club. Probably includes lunch.
Dec 10 - Fairhaven Library event - time TBA
Dec 13 - B'ham Public Library event - time TBA
A tentative list for the Season is posted. You do not need to bring other songs to rehearsal unless I let you know but it is a good idea to get these songs out and go over them as you have time.
September 9, 2013
Welcome back everyone!
WELCOME, Carisa, to Ensemble. Now Marc is not the only one with young children. Carisa has two great little boys…. who play the ukulele! ALSO, Congratulations once again to new grandparents extrodinaire … Wendy and Brian. Thanks for the Italian prunes KAY!
THIS WEEK:
Become good friends with the pentatonic scale (1,2,3,5,6). It should be part of your regular practice. Here you will find some information about the major and minor pentatonic scales. It is your key to improvisation and you can impress your friends just by saying "I have to go practice my pentatonic scales". Here is a backing track in the key of C that you can improvise with and here is one in the Key of F. Next week we'll mess around some with the minor pentatonic scale.
Work on your flat-picking and tremolo flat picking:
Hold the flatpick gently,
Strike the strings with the pick at a slight angle
Pick at the bottom of the sound hole, close to the bridge
Use up down motion on 8th and 16th notes.
With tremolo keep a steady rhythm (8th or 16th)
Don't let the tremelo mush up or bury the melody
Practice exercises in book 3 on page 33 and 49, and Plasir D'Amour
Lady Madonna - review and remember the notes and rhythms. Practice especially measure 27 and the outré (measures 33-40).
Alexander's - keep up the good work. Play along with the Mp3 on the website.
Next Week we'll practice Hineh Ma Tov and (new for Ensemble) Yellow Bird. This very close the version that Terry worked on with some of us during the summer for the the Hawaiian set…. but not exactly the same.
Many of us are off to the Ukulele Festival in Port Townsend this week and will, no doubt, come back inspired and exhausted. We'll share our treasures with you next week.
Things coming up:
October 12 - St James presbyterian Art Show - let me know who can play - anytime in the afternoon.
October 27 - Fund raiser to support a performance poet and writing workshop at (Suzanne's) juvenile detention center.
Dec 5 - Sudden Valley Ladies Luncheon at the B'ham Yacht club. 12:30 - it's a Thursday.
Maybe something at the Library in Dec
Think about if we want to do one of the Crafts fairs (Allied Arts)
Welcome back everyone!
WELCOME, Carisa, to Ensemble. Now Marc is not the only one with young children. Carisa has two great little boys…. who play the ukulele! ALSO, Congratulations once again to new grandparents extrodinaire … Wendy and Brian. Thanks for the Italian prunes KAY!
THIS WEEK:
Become good friends with the pentatonic scale (1,2,3,5,6). It should be part of your regular practice. Here you will find some information about the major and minor pentatonic scales. It is your key to improvisation and you can impress your friends just by saying "I have to go practice my pentatonic scales". Here is a backing track in the key of C that you can improvise with and here is one in the Key of F. Next week we'll mess around some with the minor pentatonic scale.
Work on your flat-picking and tremolo flat picking:
Hold the flatpick gently,
Strike the strings with the pick at a slight angle
Pick at the bottom of the sound hole, close to the bridge
Use up down motion on 8th and 16th notes.
With tremolo keep a steady rhythm (8th or 16th)
Don't let the tremelo mush up or bury the melody
Practice exercises in book 3 on page 33 and 49, and Plasir D'Amour
Lady Madonna - review and remember the notes and rhythms. Practice especially measure 27 and the outré (measures 33-40).
Alexander's - keep up the good work. Play along with the Mp3 on the website.
Next Week we'll practice Hineh Ma Tov and (new for Ensemble) Yellow Bird. This very close the version that Terry worked on with some of us during the summer for the the Hawaiian set…. but not exactly the same.
Many of us are off to the Ukulele Festival in Port Townsend this week and will, no doubt, come back inspired and exhausted. We'll share our treasures with you next week.
Things coming up:
October 12 - St James presbyterian Art Show - let me know who can play - anytime in the afternoon.
October 27 - Fund raiser to support a performance poet and writing workshop at (Suzanne's) juvenile detention center.
Dec 5 - Sudden Valley Ladies Luncheon at the B'ham Yacht club. 12:30 - it's a Thursday.
Maybe something at the Library in Dec
Think about if we want to do one of the Crafts fairs (Allied Arts)
REHEARSALS FOR FALL BEGIN SEPTEMBER 9,
I hope you all have had a nice rest - while playing lots of relaxing ukulele music, of course.
Monday Night we will be once again at BUF - upstairs in the Flex Room, 7:00, as always. As far as I know everyone will be returning for Fall (if you are not returning, please let us know ASAP…. and strongly reconsider). It is such a great group we have and we don't want to lose anyone. We will have one new person - Carisa Crosbie - from the intermediate class, who has worked hard and sucessfully auditioned for Ensemble.
Monday Night materials to bring:
Plasir D'Amour
Never on Sunday
Hineh Ma Tov
Lady Madonna
Alexander's Ragtime Band
and Book 3
We will be reviewing and practicing flatpicking and tremelo flatpicking. We will be working on playing by ear - Hot Tamales. I hope to have a couple of new songs in introduce - Yellow Bird, and Don't Sing Aloha When I Go. These are not yet on the Website.
PLEASE BRING $40.00 EACH TO COVER THE RENT UNTIL DECEMBER -
I will be starting a new beginning class on September 18. If you have friends who are interested, have them contact me. 733-6867
I hope you all have had a nice rest - while playing lots of relaxing ukulele music, of course.
Monday Night we will be once again at BUF - upstairs in the Flex Room, 7:00, as always. As far as I know everyone will be returning for Fall (if you are not returning, please let us know ASAP…. and strongly reconsider). It is such a great group we have and we don't want to lose anyone. We will have one new person - Carisa Crosbie - from the intermediate class, who has worked hard and sucessfully auditioned for Ensemble.
Monday Night materials to bring:
Plasir D'Amour
Never on Sunday
Hineh Ma Tov
Lady Madonna
Alexander's Ragtime Band
and Book 3
We will be reviewing and practicing flatpicking and tremelo flatpicking. We will be working on playing by ear - Hot Tamales. I hope to have a couple of new songs in introduce - Yellow Bird, and Don't Sing Aloha When I Go. These are not yet on the Website.
PLEASE BRING $40.00 EACH TO COVER THE RENT UNTIL DECEMBER -
I will be starting a new beginning class on September 18. If you have friends who are interested, have them contact me. 733-6867
May 20, 2013 - Exellent rehearsal last night - You are so GOOOOOOD!!!!
*** We have three more rehearsals before June 8 so we WILL practice next Monday (Memorial Day). Please let me know if you absolutely cannot be there. Also … remember to put our extra practice at the Firehouse (June 4) on your calendar. This means, rehearse at BUF on Monday June 3rd and rehearse at the Fire House on Tuesday the 4th. The good news is…. after the 8th we will have at least 5 weeks off before we have to brush up before the Fair
****Scratch the Ja-Da seating set up I gave you before. Below find the Set List with moves indicated. Let me know if I missed something.
****The Yacht Club wants us to play again for their Hawaii night on June 15. Dinner is provided and 2 drinks from the bar. Pat and I will be out of town so Terry will be heading this up.
**** When practicing Hernando's this week, remember to put in extra work on measures - 26-34 (the high part) play it over and over - until you can't miss it.
….. and remember to warm up before your deep practice and HAVE FUN!
Gail
*** We have three more rehearsals before June 8 so we WILL practice next Monday (Memorial Day). Please let me know if you absolutely cannot be there. Also … remember to put our extra practice at the Firehouse (June 4) on your calendar. This means, rehearse at BUF on Monday June 3rd and rehearse at the Fire House on Tuesday the 4th. The good news is…. after the 8th we will have at least 5 weeks off before we have to brush up before the Fair
****Scratch the Ja-Da seating set up I gave you before. Below find the Set List with moves indicated. Let me know if I missed something.
****The Yacht Club wants us to play again for their Hawaii night on June 15. Dinner is provided and 2 drinks from the bar. Pat and I will be out of town so Terry will be heading this up.
**** When practicing Hernando's this week, remember to put in extra work on measures - 26-34 (the high part) play it over and over - until you can't miss it.
….. and remember to warm up before your deep practice and HAVE FUN!
Gail
May 13, 2013
* Below you will find information and set lists for our gigs this week-end.
* Also, Jim is leading a group at Cascade Cuts on Saturday the 18th at 10:30. This is a Sustainable Connections event. See the BUG calendar for information or contact Jim.
* There is a Memorial service for our dear Ron McGrady in also on Saturday at 2:00 at:
New Hope Foursquare Church, 4860 Northwest Dr
Next Week we will practice the second half of the concert program so please practice these tunes this week.
Tequila
Love Potion #9
De Colores
I Love a Ukulele
Ja-Da - We will try playing Ja-Da in the normal seating set-up and see if we can avoid making the big switch in the last set.
Hot Tamales
* Below you will find information and set lists for our gigs this week-end.
* Also, Jim is leading a group at Cascade Cuts on Saturday the 18th at 10:30. This is a Sustainable Connections event. See the BUG calendar for information or contact Jim.
* There is a Memorial service for our dear Ron McGrady in also on Saturday at 2:00 at:
New Hope Foursquare Church, 4860 Northwest Dr
Next Week we will practice the second half of the concert program so please practice these tunes this week.
Tequila
Love Potion #9
De Colores
I Love a Ukulele
Ja-Da - We will try playing Ja-Da in the normal seating set-up and see if we can avoid making the big switch in the last set.
Hot Tamales
April 22, 2013
For the Set List for June 8 click here
Below are a few notes from Monday Night - we soundin' good!
The Middle - sing in unison on the first verse and the first chorus (2X). Then start harmony on 2nd verse.
Hernando's Hideaway - First 2 measures loud with a tremelo on the half note in measure 2. Then soft beginning on the f in measure two until the 3rd beat in measure 10 - Then strong and driving.
Beatles Medley - excellent ! Picking perfection !
Runaround Sue - getting bettter and stronger every time. No changes.
Next Week - April 29 - Love Potion #9, De Colores, I Love A Ukulele, Hot Tamales (if time allows)
May 6 - Ukers choice. Here's your chance to dig in and work on those troublesome phrases that you may not have perfected. Evelyn will facilitate.
Other things:
* Patti (our dresser) says we are wearing jewel shirts/blouses maybe with a vest and black pants. She will tell us more next week.
* We need a teacher for the beginner session at the BUG jam on May 4. My mother and other family members will be in town so Pat and I aren't available to cover it. I really appreciate all who have taught this in the past. If you haven't, please consider sharing your expertise with some new folks who want to get started on the uke.
* Ann McDonald is doing a Summer Adult Voice Camp July 8 - 12 in the evening. I have signed up for it and I thought some of you might be interested, too. http://www.bellinghamsings.org/calendar.html
* Tickets for "I Love A Ukulele are on sale" - $8.00 each
For the Set List for June 8 click here
Below are a few notes from Monday Night - we soundin' good!
The Middle - sing in unison on the first verse and the first chorus (2X). Then start harmony on 2nd verse.
Hernando's Hideaway - First 2 measures loud with a tremelo on the half note in measure 2. Then soft beginning on the f in measure two until the 3rd beat in measure 10 - Then strong and driving.
Beatles Medley - excellent ! Picking perfection !
Runaround Sue - getting bettter and stronger every time. No changes.
Next Week - April 29 - Love Potion #9, De Colores, I Love A Ukulele, Hot Tamales (if time allows)
May 6 - Ukers choice. Here's your chance to dig in and work on those troublesome phrases that you may not have perfected. Evelyn will facilitate.
Other things:
* Patti (our dresser) says we are wearing jewel shirts/blouses maybe with a vest and black pants. She will tell us more next week.
* We need a teacher for the beginner session at the BUG jam on May 4. My mother and other family members will be in town so Pat and I aren't available to cover it. I really appreciate all who have taught this in the past. If you haven't, please consider sharing your expertise with some new folks who want to get started on the uke.
* Ann McDonald is doing a Summer Adult Voice Camp July 8 - 12 in the evening. I have signed up for it and I thought some of you might be interested, too. http://www.bellinghamsings.org/calendar.html
* Tickets for "I Love A Ukulele are on sale" - $8.00 each
April 15, 2013 -
Good food and Good music Monday night.
Everyone was quick to learn the minor changes to Ukulele Lady and a new verse to Ja-Da, which are now posted in the website. Hot Tamales is going to work well with the new "solos", too.
Next week Evelyn will have tickets available for our I Love A Ukulele Concert - June 8. It is up to you to convince your friends and family that they will not want to miss this show. It's going to be fun! There are only 100 tickets available and it would be great to pre-sell them all! We will have them for sale to the general public at the May BUG Jam but they will be available to you next Monday.
I expect to have the set list, in order, by next Monday. I will also work on the seating chart some more and figure out which changes we will need to make for certain songs. I will also have a set list for the Village Books event and the teacher's luncheon (for the small group)
**** We are cutting 2 songs from the list - Lady Madonna and Hinei Ma Tov. This is largely because of time - we have 3 guests groups and we want the whole thing to be over in about 1 1/2 hours. This does not mean that they are cut from our repertoire and they will probably be revived later. We just need more time to work on them, and having less songs will allow us to work more on the 12 that are still on the list and do a better job of them.
For the upcoming weeks:
April 22 - Hernando's Hideaway, The Middle, Beatles Medley, Runaround Sue (If time allows)
April 29 - Love Potion #9, De Colores, I Love A Ukulele, Hot Tamales (if time allows)
May 6 - Both Terry and I will be away. Evelyn will run the rehearsal and this will be dedicated to section practice or specific passages that need refining. I will make a list of things that I think need work, and you should also let me know where you would like extra practice.
FYI:
BUG Song Circle this Wednesday Night the 17th
the JUNE 1 BUG Jam will be an open mike so some of you might want to take this opportunity to work up a tune.
G Strings will meet at my house for a potluck and to prepare a song to do at the June 1 BUG open mike. At this time we don't have a song so think about it and bring ideas.
Anyone going to the Kushan Chorus Beatles sing-a-long on the 27th is invited to a Paella (potluck) at my house on the 27th. Carol is organizing the ingrediants for this so let her know if you plan to come.
Good food and Good music Monday night.
Everyone was quick to learn the minor changes to Ukulele Lady and a new verse to Ja-Da, which are now posted in the website. Hot Tamales is going to work well with the new "solos", too.
Next week Evelyn will have tickets available for our I Love A Ukulele Concert - June 8. It is up to you to convince your friends and family that they will not want to miss this show. It's going to be fun! There are only 100 tickets available and it would be great to pre-sell them all! We will have them for sale to the general public at the May BUG Jam but they will be available to you next Monday.
I expect to have the set list, in order, by next Monday. I will also work on the seating chart some more and figure out which changes we will need to make for certain songs. I will also have a set list for the Village Books event and the teacher's luncheon (for the small group)
**** We are cutting 2 songs from the list - Lady Madonna and Hinei Ma Tov. This is largely because of time - we have 3 guests groups and we want the whole thing to be over in about 1 1/2 hours. This does not mean that they are cut from our repertoire and they will probably be revived later. We just need more time to work on them, and having less songs will allow us to work more on the 12 that are still on the list and do a better job of them.
For the upcoming weeks:
April 22 - Hernando's Hideaway, The Middle, Beatles Medley, Runaround Sue (If time allows)
April 29 - Love Potion #9, De Colores, I Love A Ukulele, Hot Tamales (if time allows)
May 6 - Both Terry and I will be away. Evelyn will run the rehearsal and this will be dedicated to section practice or specific passages that need refining. I will make a list of things that I think need work, and you should also let me know where you would like extra practice.
FYI:
BUG Song Circle this Wednesday Night the 17th
the JUNE 1 BUG Jam will be an open mike so some of you might want to take this opportunity to work up a tune.
G Strings will meet at my house for a potluck and to prepare a song to do at the June 1 BUG open mike. At this time we don't have a song so think about it and bring ideas.
Anyone going to the Kushan Chorus Beatles sing-a-long on the 27th is invited to a Paella (potluck) at my house on the 27th. Carol is organizing the ingrediants for this so let her know if you plan to come.
April 8, 2013 - Happy Anniversary ! Let's celebrate 3 years of ukulele bliss together !
Yep ! We started playing together 3 years ago in April - the first class taking place on the 12th. It seems like a good time to say how much fun it has been to work together and to say how much I appreciate every one of you.
It also seems like a good time to think about how much we have learned. Some things that you have learned are easy to evaluate: reading music, learning new chords and making chord changes. Others are harder quantify: playing together, listening, understanding theory, performing, etc.
When I think back to where I was 3 years ago - and then where I am now - I can feel a real sense of accomplishment, and, well, pretty good about myself. And I feel very good about YOU.
Thanks for the music and the friendship. Let's keep the music flowing and keep sharing the joy with each other and the community.
Gail
Next Monday we will play and polish:
Hot Tamales, Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady and if time allows Hernando's Hideaway
FYI:
Remember our community play at Merrill Gardens this Friday at 1:00. Address and set list are on the BUG calendar"
http://www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com/calendar.html
The June 1 BUG jam will be an OPEN MIKE - maybe some of you would like to work up a tune or two for that????
Yep ! We started playing together 3 years ago in April - the first class taking place on the 12th. It seems like a good time to say how much fun it has been to work together and to say how much I appreciate every one of you.
It also seems like a good time to think about how much we have learned. Some things that you have learned are easy to evaluate: reading music, learning new chords and making chord changes. Others are harder quantify: playing together, listening, understanding theory, performing, etc.
When I think back to where I was 3 years ago - and then where I am now - I can feel a real sense of accomplishment, and, well, pretty good about myself. And I feel very good about YOU.
Thanks for the music and the friendship. Let's keep the music flowing and keep sharing the joy with each other and the community.
Gail
Next Monday we will play and polish:
Hot Tamales, Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady and if time allows Hernando's Hideaway
FYI:
Remember our community play at Merrill Gardens this Friday at 1:00. Address and set list are on the BUG calendar"
http://www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com/calendar.html
The June 1 BUG jam will be an OPEN MIKE - maybe some of you would like to work up a tune or two for that????
April 1, - No kidding
Good rehearsal Monday night, but what did we learn?? Women like to take things slower than the men (and with more attention to detail, Karen adds). That the men think women need to pratice more at home. That we all sound so much better at home. That the light disappears this time of year between 6:50 and 6:55. OK, ……. so you had to be there.
Think about movement. How can we incorporate more movement into our performance?
Next (April 8) week we will work on Beatles Medley, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue.
The following week - April 15 - Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady, Hot Tamales
Please keep practicing Hernando's Hideaway, and whatever others are on your personal "need to practice" list. Practice daily - it pays off.
Here is a wonderful TED talk by Evelyn Glennie (famous "deaf" percussionist) talking about listening, and sound. It's about 30 minutes long but wonderful and inspiring.
http://www.ted.com/talks/evelyn_glennie_shows_how_to_listen.html
Pat and I just registered for the Langley Ukulele festival (October 18-19, 2013). Early Bird registration is open NOW.
BUG Jam this Saturday - I don't have anyone signed up to teach beginners. It's easy, it's fun. It's all laid out for you.
Anybody????
Good rehearsal Monday night, but what did we learn?? Women like to take things slower than the men (and with more attention to detail, Karen adds). That the men think women need to pratice more at home. That we all sound so much better at home. That the light disappears this time of year between 6:50 and 6:55. OK, ……. so you had to be there.
Think about movement. How can we incorporate more movement into our performance?
Next (April 8) week we will work on Beatles Medley, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue.
The following week - April 15 - Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady, Hot Tamales
Please keep practicing Hernando's Hideaway, and whatever others are on your personal "need to practice" list. Practice daily - it pays off.
Here is a wonderful TED talk by Evelyn Glennie (famous "deaf" percussionist) talking about listening, and sound. It's about 30 minutes long but wonderful and inspiring.
http://www.ted.com/talks/evelyn_glennie_shows_how_to_listen.html
Pat and I just registered for the Langley Ukulele festival (October 18-19, 2013). Early Bird registration is open NOW.
BUG Jam this Saturday - I don't have anyone signed up to teach beginners. It's easy, it's fun. It's all laid out for you.
Anybody????
March 25, 2013
Everyone was present and I thought we had a very productive session working on on Hinei Ma Tov, De Colores, The Middle, and Love Potion #9. I really appreciate all of you putting out the effort to be at rehearsals in order to be ready for our June 8 concert.
Remember to make notes on your music regarding which part you play and other things - entrances, tacets, intros, outros, soft and loud.
I will try to keep the notes on the music pages of this website updated with any changes.
If anybody would like to get together and practice certain songs, or particular parts of songs, I am very happy to do that with you and it's good for me, too. Please email me or call me (733-6867) my schedule is pretty flexible right now.
Below is a proposed practice agenda (songs) for the next 3 weeks:
April 1 - Latin Time, I Love A Ukulele, Tequila, Hernando's Hideaway,
April 8 - Beatles Medley, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue
April 15 - Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady, Hot Tamales
Try starting your practice working through the toughest parts of the song, and then once you have done that, go back to the beginning.
How sweet it is to play music together in harmony with good friends.
Everyone was present and I thought we had a very productive session working on on Hinei Ma Tov, De Colores, The Middle, and Love Potion #9. I really appreciate all of you putting out the effort to be at rehearsals in order to be ready for our June 8 concert.
Remember to make notes on your music regarding which part you play and other things - entrances, tacets, intros, outros, soft and loud.
I will try to keep the notes on the music pages of this website updated with any changes.
If anybody would like to get together and practice certain songs, or particular parts of songs, I am very happy to do that with you and it's good for me, too. Please email me or call me (733-6867) my schedule is pretty flexible right now.
Below is a proposed practice agenda (songs) for the next 3 weeks:
April 1 - Latin Time, I Love A Ukulele, Tequila, Hernando's Hideaway,
April 8 - Beatles Medley, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue
April 15 - Ja-Da, Ukulele Lady, Hot Tamales
Try starting your practice working through the toughest parts of the song, and then once you have done that, go back to the beginning.
How sweet it is to play music together in harmony with good friends.
March 19, 2013
Fun session Monday night! We are making really good progress but we have much to do to get ready for our concert on June 8. Your job is to get the notes and chords really solid at home. In class we will work on playing together, tightening up, and arrangements. We simply don't have time to to be figuring out the notes or fingering on Monday night. If you need help with notes, please ask me and I (or someone else) will help you.
For Next week bring AND PRACTICE Latin Time, The Middle, De Colores, Hinei Ma Tov, I Love a Ukulele, Love Potion #9. Continue to practice the ones we play Monday night. The Set List is Below so you should have plenty work on.
Fun session Monday night! We are making really good progress but we have much to do to get ready for our concert on June 8. Your job is to get the notes and chords really solid at home. In class we will work on playing together, tightening up, and arrangements. We simply don't have time to to be figuring out the notes or fingering on Monday night. If you need help with notes, please ask me and I (or someone else) will help you.
For Next week bring AND PRACTICE Latin Time, The Middle, De Colores, Hinei Ma Tov, I Love a Ukulele, Love Potion #9. Continue to practice the ones we play Monday night. The Set List is Below so you should have plenty work on.
I somehow lost the other design I had for this site and could not get it back. It has not been a good computer week for me so I just decided to let the computer win this one and go with it.
For next week, be prepared with Hernando's, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue, Ja-Da, Hot Tamales, Ukulele Lady (practice this and try to get solid on the chords so that we can work on some fine tuning and harmonies).
Others things of note: We are confirmed for the Firehouse Performing Arts Center for our benefit concert - June 8, 7:00
Village Books performance and sing-a-long - May 19 at 1:00. I will be asking you on Monday who can come to that and who can't.
For next week, be prepared with Hernando's, Lady Madonna, Runaround Sue, Ja-Da, Hot Tamales, Ukulele Lady (practice this and try to get solid on the chords so that we can work on some fine tuning and harmonies).
Others things of note: We are confirmed for the Firehouse Performing Arts Center for our benefit concert - June 8, 7:00
Village Books performance and sing-a-long - May 19 at 1:00. I will be asking you on Monday who can come to that and who can't.
March 4, 2013
I guess if we are going to do it, we'd better make some plans and get to work. A concert, that is. Or what shall we call it?
Here is what I propose:
The Date June 8. Time: probably evening 7:30 ish
Venue: The Firehouse (can seat up to 100 people)
It's a Fund Raiser for the BUG Ukes for Kids program.
Admission: more than $5.00, by donation.
PLEASE let me know ASAP if you can NOT play on that date. It is pretty important that everybody can be there. The date is not firm yet but when we reserve with the Firehouse (this week) I need to put a $100. deposit down to hold the reservation.
This will also require a commitment on your part to work hard on the material so we can put on a good show like, well …….. an ensemble.
I will work with Terry this week to get a set list together for you by next Monday.
Updates on the website this week:
The Arrangment for Hernando's Hideaway.
Vocal notes for Lady Madonna - Ba ba ba ba. This is the same thing I passed out in class last night. (Sorry about the looong last measure on this. I was not able to get my software to co-operate. I really need a tutorial on it).
I guess if we are going to do it, we'd better make some plans and get to work. A concert, that is. Or what shall we call it?
Here is what I propose:
The Date June 8. Time: probably evening 7:30 ish
Venue: The Firehouse (can seat up to 100 people)
It's a Fund Raiser for the BUG Ukes for Kids program.
Admission: more than $5.00, by donation.
PLEASE let me know ASAP if you can NOT play on that date. It is pretty important that everybody can be there. The date is not firm yet but when we reserve with the Firehouse (this week) I need to put a $100. deposit down to hold the reservation.
This will also require a commitment on your part to work hard on the material so we can put on a good show like, well …….. an ensemble.
I will work with Terry this week to get a set list together for you by next Monday.
Updates on the website this week:
The Arrangment for Hernando's Hideaway.
Vocal notes for Lady Madonna - Ba ba ba ba. This is the same thing I passed out in class last night. (Sorry about the looong last measure on this. I was not able to get my software to co-operate. I really need a tutorial on it).
February 25, 2013
We were a small, but powerful, group last night. After warming up with chords up the neck, we began by working on our parts for Hernando's in small groups (parts). I think this helped a lot and I hope to do the same thing next week after you have had a chance to practice some more. If you are completely lost or behind, please call me and I will help you get the fingering worked before next week. This is going to be such a fun piece to play but we really need to get solid on the notes now.
Speaking of practice - I encourage you all to keep a Daily Practice Log to help you establish a regular, daily practice, and to know what things you need to work on the form (My Practice Pal) can be found here
We worked on Lady Madonna and Runaround Sue again, both of which are progressing nicely. I plan to have an arrangment for Lady Madonna next week that will include some vocal.
Please bring Ja-Da to rehearsal with you next week. We are going to revive that for Spring, and put Alexander's aside for a while. Music for Ja-Da is not on this website yet but I will try to do that soon.
We have been invited to participate in a Ukulele Event at Village Books this spring. I don't have date yet but hope to soon. It will be on a Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to Ralph Shaw's advice, your focus for this week's practice should be "accuracy". Work your phrases and chords "relentlessly" until you get them right. Work with a metronome to help keep the tempo.
I hope to see many of you at BUG on Saturday and all of you next Monday night (except Wendy and Brian who have to be in Hawaii).
Gail
We were a small, but powerful, group last night. After warming up with chords up the neck, we began by working on our parts for Hernando's in small groups (parts). I think this helped a lot and I hope to do the same thing next week after you have had a chance to practice some more. If you are completely lost or behind, please call me and I will help you get the fingering worked before next week. This is going to be such a fun piece to play but we really need to get solid on the notes now.
Speaking of practice - I encourage you all to keep a Daily Practice Log to help you establish a regular, daily practice, and to know what things you need to work on the form (My Practice Pal) can be found here
We worked on Lady Madonna and Runaround Sue again, both of which are progressing nicely. I plan to have an arrangment for Lady Madonna next week that will include some vocal.
Please bring Ja-Da to rehearsal with you next week. We are going to revive that for Spring, and put Alexander's aside for a while. Music for Ja-Da is not on this website yet but I will try to do that soon.
We have been invited to participate in a Ukulele Event at Village Books this spring. I don't have date yet but hope to soon. It will be on a Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to Ralph Shaw's advice, your focus for this week's practice should be "accuracy". Work your phrases and chords "relentlessly" until you get them right. Work with a metronome to help keep the tempo.
I hope to see many of you at BUG on Saturday and all of you next Monday night (except Wendy and Brian who have to be in Hawaii).
Gail
February 18, 2013
Why not begin your practice by playing Polly Wolly Doodle or Buffalo Gals by ear. They are both 2 chord songs. Try them in any key with the I and the V7 chords. Work on playing the closed positions of the chords, as we did in class. C and G7 on the 3rd fret, or A and E7 on the 4th fret.
I have uploaded a slightly revised version of Runaround Sue. It is the same arrangement we practiced Monday Night with a couple of small changes to the lyrics. Please print out the new version for next week.
We are making excellent progress on Hernanado's Hideaway. We'll try singing the words next week as well. Please note that the backgrounds will need to continue playing while the singing is going on. It may be hard to play backgrounds and sing at the same time since the rhythm is different so the singing may mostly fall to the uke I folks. We'll practice picking Lady Madonna again next week and we can add the lyrics and see how that goes. Please print out the lyrics if you have not already done that.
Please focus your practice on these new pieces, especially the picking on Hernando's and Lady M.
Terry and I will be re-working the parts for Alexander's. We have lost some people since we assigned parts and so we are now unbalanced. It may mean a part change for some of you if we continue to do this piece. Stay tuned on this.
Both Ralph Shaw and Guido Heistek publish some really good online newletters with great advice about practice, performing and technique. I encourage you to subscribe to them if you don't already.
http://www.ralphshaw.ca/
http://ukuleleinthedark.com/
Gail
February 11, 2013
We really made good progress with Runaround Sue and Lady Madonna. I promise to stop changing my mind about the tremelo on Lady Madonna. The only tremelo will be on the high A in the outro - uke one only.
Next week we'll do some serious work on Hernando's Hideaway. I have loaded a slower audio file for you to work with. Please practice your part at home, with the recording.
We will also play Alexander's Ragtime Band, just so we don't let it get away from us. I have put the words on the this website. I think we will try having some people sing it on the repeat and see how it works.
If time allows, we'll practice I Love a Ukulele.
Remember to review at home our 2 chord song for the week - Polly Wolly Doodle - Key of C and try playing closed chords for both as we did in class. C on 3rd fret, G7 on 3rd fret
YES! We will play at the Fair again- August 12 at 3:00 - put it on your calendars. Remember that it means having some rehearsals in the summer.
YES! - we will meet next Monday - Feb 18, as usual.
AND the response to having a concert of our own has been favorable. Let's start thinking about it.
We really made good progress with Runaround Sue and Lady Madonna. I promise to stop changing my mind about the tremelo on Lady Madonna. The only tremelo will be on the high A in the outro - uke one only.
Next week we'll do some serious work on Hernando's Hideaway. I have loaded a slower audio file for you to work with. Please practice your part at home, with the recording.
We will also play Alexander's Ragtime Band, just so we don't let it get away from us. I have put the words on the this website. I think we will try having some people sing it on the repeat and see how it works.
If time allows, we'll practice I Love a Ukulele.
Remember to review at home our 2 chord song for the week - Polly Wolly Doodle - Key of C and try playing closed chords for both as we did in class. C on 3rd fret, G7 on 3rd fret
YES! We will play at the Fair again- August 12 at 3:00 - put it on your calendars. Remember that it means having some rehearsals in the summer.
YES! - we will meet next Monday - Feb 18, as usual.
AND the response to having a concert of our own has been favorable. Let's start thinking about it.
February 4, 2013 -
So …… let's have a potluck Friday night before Jake's concert. We'll eat at 6:00-6:30ish. come anytime you want to after 5:00ish. We can walk to WWU from my house so just find parking wherever you can around here. Bring your ukes, if you like. We can play some before, or after, if we want to.
Other business - We WILL meet on President's Day (Feb 18)
I got an application from the Fair - think about if we want to do this again - week of August 12.
Should we put on our own concert in the late spring/early summer?
For next week practice:
Lady Madonna - I have added a page with a bunch of scales including the notes in the A scale check it out.
Hernanado's Hideaway - use the recording to help you practice your part
Runaround Sue - Listen to the recording and practice the chords and words.
We didn't get to Hinei Ma Tov last week so I will make sure we do it next week.
Gail
So …… let's have a potluck Friday night before Jake's concert. We'll eat at 6:00-6:30ish. come anytime you want to after 5:00ish. We can walk to WWU from my house so just find parking wherever you can around here. Bring your ukes, if you like. We can play some before, or after, if we want to.
Other business - We WILL meet on President's Day (Feb 18)
I got an application from the Fair - think about if we want to do this again - week of August 12.
Should we put on our own concert in the late spring/early summer?
For next week practice:
Lady Madonna - I have added a page with a bunch of scales including the notes in the A scale check it out.
Hernanado's Hideaway - use the recording to help you practice your part
Runaround Sue - Listen to the recording and practice the chords and words.
We didn't get to Hinei Ma Tov last week so I will make sure we do it next week.
Gail
January 29, 2013,
I don't intend to introduce any other new songs right now. I think we have enough to work on. For February we will be working on the 4 new ones; Runaround Sue, Hernando's Hideaway, The Middle, Lady Madonna, as well as cleaning up and improving songs that we already had on our list such as Hot Tamales , Alexander's Ragtime Band, I Love a Ukulele, Hinei Ma Tov
For next week, Practice Hernando's Hideaway - parts are posted along with music and mp3. Practice this with flat picks.
Also continue to practice your part for Lady Madonna with picks and work on your tremelo on the long notes. Print out the lyrics so that we can try singing them next week….. try playing the chords and singing it at home.
Runaround Sue - Listen to Dion's version of this on the page and practice the chords and singing. It's a 4 chord song with a standard DooWap parttern. We will need one solo for the beginning, melody singers, and Hey, Hey snap/clappers. Think about what part you want to play/sing.
We will practice The Middle again next week. It's coming along.
I want to focus more on barre chords, flat picks, and continue to work on playing together and listening to each other. Please print out the Uke Chord Forms and Fretboard page here and bring it to class next week. This page goes along nicely with the Bosko's video about Chord Inversions.
See you on Saturday at BUG.
I don't intend to introduce any other new songs right now. I think we have enough to work on. For February we will be working on the 4 new ones; Runaround Sue, Hernando's Hideaway, The Middle, Lady Madonna, as well as cleaning up and improving songs that we already had on our list such as Hot Tamales , Alexander's Ragtime Band, I Love a Ukulele, Hinei Ma Tov
For next week, Practice Hernando's Hideaway - parts are posted along with music and mp3. Practice this with flat picks.
Also continue to practice your part for Lady Madonna with picks and work on your tremelo on the long notes. Print out the lyrics so that we can try singing them next week….. try playing the chords and singing it at home.
Runaround Sue - Listen to Dion's version of this on the page and practice the chords and singing. It's a 4 chord song with a standard DooWap parttern. We will need one solo for the beginning, melody singers, and Hey, Hey snap/clappers. Think about what part you want to play/sing.
We will practice The Middle again next week. It's coming along.
I want to focus more on barre chords, flat picks, and continue to work on playing together and listening to each other. Please print out the Uke Chord Forms and Fretboard page here and bring it to class next week. This page goes along nicely with the Bosko's video about Chord Inversions.
See you on Saturday at BUG.
January 21, 2013
* By next week I will have a list for the Japanese Businessmen's welcome party (Feb 2).
* I need someone to teach the beginner's session at the Feb 2 BUG meeting. It's easy (everything is laid out for you), it's fun, there's lots of help, and YES, you can do it. It's time to share what you know with others who want to be just like you!!! (playing the ukulele).
Sign up for Feb, or March, or April, etc. etc. Every month is open
* check out a couple of new links that I posted about barre chords. Making them by Ukulele Mike and Understanding them by Bosko
Hot Tamales gets cleaner and we get more cofident each week. Please review the Tag ending for next week.
Great progress in a very short time with Lady Madonna. Please work specifically on measures 27-28, 17-19 (uke I) and 1-4. Take care with the timing AND work on getting up to speed. As you saw last night, if John and Terry have anything to do with it, we'll be zipping right along. Next week we'll add some chords and try sing the words. The lyrics are already on the website.
De Colores - Lovely job and I was very impressed as how well you all remember the words. Practice with flat picks and with tremelo on half notes (and longer).
The Middle - is evolving and becoming more reggae-ish each week. We now have many parts coming together to make the whole. The FINAL melody notes are now on this website (slightly different than last week).
Tequila (Ukulele), remember to practice using picks, sounds GREAT.
Beatles Medley - getting tighter every week. We will practice this regularly so that it is performance ready on demand.
Next week make sure you also bring Latin Time and I Love a Ukulele. I am also working on two more new songs and I may have one of them ready next week to start (Runaround Sue, and Hernanado's Hideaway) Is that too much?? Let me know.
See you next week,
Gail
* By next week I will have a list for the Japanese Businessmen's welcome party (Feb 2).
* I need someone to teach the beginner's session at the Feb 2 BUG meeting. It's easy (everything is laid out for you), it's fun, there's lots of help, and YES, you can do it. It's time to share what you know with others who want to be just like you!!! (playing the ukulele).
Sign up for Feb, or March, or April, etc. etc. Every month is open
* check out a couple of new links that I posted about barre chords. Making them by Ukulele Mike and Understanding them by Bosko
Hot Tamales gets cleaner and we get more cofident each week. Please review the Tag ending for next week.
Great progress in a very short time with Lady Madonna. Please work specifically on measures 27-28, 17-19 (uke I) and 1-4. Take care with the timing AND work on getting up to speed. As you saw last night, if John and Terry have anything to do with it, we'll be zipping right along. Next week we'll add some chords and try sing the words. The lyrics are already on the website.
De Colores - Lovely job and I was very impressed as how well you all remember the words. Practice with flat picks and with tremelo on half notes (and longer).
The Middle - is evolving and becoming more reggae-ish each week. We now have many parts coming together to make the whole. The FINAL melody notes are now on this website (slightly different than last week).
Tequila (Ukulele), remember to practice using picks, sounds GREAT.
Beatles Medley - getting tighter every week. We will practice this regularly so that it is performance ready on demand.
Next week make sure you also bring Latin Time and I Love a Ukulele. I am also working on two more new songs and I may have one of them ready next week to start (Runaround Sue, and Hernanado's Hideaway) Is that too much?? Let me know.
See you next week,
Gail
January 14, 2013
I thought we had a very productive rehearsal Monday night in spite being few in number due to illness (winter colds!) and icy conditions for some.
We warmed up with the Bb scale - clearly you had all practiced it.
We than review Hot Tamales as we did last week - without paper and with some new verses. We will continue to do that.
The Beatles Medley - we played this VERY slowly in order to try to get clean chords and to also clean up the picking part a bit. I have made a little recording for the pickers with the rhythm, as I perceive it. Please play along with the (slow) recording in order to practice the timing in the phrases. We also decided to eliminate tacit on the chords at the beginning of I Feel Fine and instead, play a softer, rolling chord. We will practice this again next week.
The Middle - We worked, quite a bit on the strum, the riff, the chords, and the melody notes. You will find recordings to work with on The Middle page. Listen to the (rock) you tube version for the melody notes only. We are working with a completely different rhythm.
Tequila - review just to remind us of how it goes. Click to find Wendy's notes if you need them to review this fun tune.
Lady Madonna - We began work on this piece, which went very well and i think it will be good for us. More working through this next week.
Annoucements: Any who are available are invited to play a sing-a-long type gig for the Japanese Businessmen (as we did last year) on Feb 2 at 6:00. I will put together a list of song which will be all vocals. Dinner will be provided for us.
We have a date and location for our summer BUG camping trip - Silver Lake County Park - group camp. July 26-28. Mark your calendars.
Stay well, See you next week.
Gail
January 7, 2013
It's good to have a change of pace with the holidays, but it's always good to get back to the routine, if a bit overwhelming.
By the way - rent $$ for the Jan-Mar is $40.00 per person.
We are going to start using flat picks for most of our instrumental pieces. I think this is one way to gain volume for the ukuleles, which are just so hard to hear in public.
For Next Week … practice your Bb scale. It's been a long time since we played that one.
Remember to practice with your flat pick, while you are at it. We will warm up with this scale next week.
Practice Hot Tamales chords WITHOUT THE MUSIC. You can do it! Also you can begin to become familiar with the new verses, but this is less important than learning the chords.
The Middle - practice the Reggae Strum and the chords Remember that the most important thing about the strum is the dampening of the strings. Here are a couple of tutorials about dampening with the reggae strum AND the suggested barre chords to use for easy dampening by releasing pressure with the left hand.
The Beatles Medley - practice the chords, picking, arrangement.
Bring Lady Madonna next week - We try it out and see if we want to do it.
In addition to the above pieces, please bring to rehearsal also:
I Love a Ukulele and De Colores and you might try to remember Tequila (also without paper) (first note D, first chord G). We'll see how much we get to.
Things I forgot to announce. We have been asked to play for the Japanese businessmen again. The date is Feb 2 and we will be provided with dinner. This is at 6:00 on Saturday night after the next BUG Jam (and, according to Terry, World Ukulele Day). We don't need a full ensemble and I expect that we will be doing more BUG Jam sing-a-long type stuff, rather than instrumentals. Please let me know next Monday if you can play for that event.
Registration is open for the FIRST Ukulele Festival at Centrum in Port Townsend. The dates are September 11-15. There is a big staff of teachers including many of our favorites and some new ones. Check it out here
Also - I have asked James Hill if he would do a master class for us (ensemble only) when he is in the area and he said "sounds like fun" ……. maybe. Memorial Day week-end is a possibility. I will keep on him about it and you try to keep your schedules open.
Gail
We ended the BUG Ensemble year with a great discussion about our reflections, goals, and desires. I am going to try to summarize things as I understood them. I'm sure you will let me know if I am way off course or if I missed something important.
Thank You to Trish for bringing cookies and and Irish Cream, and to Pommie and her sister for the gift of real organic honey for us all.
In general, the group as a whole:
Likes the variety of music we have in our repertoire and the different levels of challenge.
Wants to learn new things and be challenged.
Likes to perform and wants to continue (some want more performances).
Prefers performing to an audience that is listening (Fair, Library, Museum) rather than being background music (craft fairs, markets, etc)
Very much likes the idea of a guest conductor now and then (many ideas regarding this were offered) or bringing in teachers for new technique and inspiration.
Likes being given technique exercises and learning new things.
Presented a wide range of opinions for new repertoire including Big Band, Old Ballads, Classical, Reggae, Doo Wap, Hawaiian ….. almost anything (but no one suggested Rap).
Wants to continue to develop our arrangements and skills.
My Take on all of this:
It seems like we are on the right track and pretty unified in our vision for the group. I heard an overwhelming desire to keep learning and improving, making music together, and sharing our music.
The great ideas I heard from you last night really help me to plan for the next year. I will work with you to get some guests to the group to keep us all inspired and give us new perspectives. I will continue to search for a variety of music, and creating arrangements (with your help) that will work for our group. I will keep bringing exercises for you (and me) to work on your technique. And lets all look for performing opportunities that would be appropriate (and enjoyable) for us in the community.
We will resume Monday "rehearsal" on January 7. I have reserved the same room for us at BUF. I will get back with you later about the cost (room rent and copies) and you can pay in January.
During the break here are some things you can work on:
Change your strings! Yes - I mean YOU. Strings should be changed regularly (every 2-3 months some folks say) they get stretched out and lose their quality of tone and become difficult to tune. If you are sometimes playing out of tune, your strings could be the culprit. (I have 4 sets of Aquila strings for concert or soprano with low g that I will sell for $5.00 per set).
Scales - pull out your old sheet of scales and work through them. If you can't find them click here.
Lady Madonna - I passed this out last night. I'm not sure if we will do this piece, but we'll try it out. The top two lines are for Ukes and the bottom line will be the bass.
Practice with a pick - In order to increase our volume so that the ukuleles can be heard in difficult venues, I believe that we are going to need to start using flat picks more on instrumental pieces. We'll work on this together but you'll need to work on it at home. Remember to hold the pick so that it strikes the strings at about a 45 degree angle and it makes it easier to use and to tremelo with the pick. Pull out Book 3 and the lesson on using flat picks to help you along.
Other misc. stuff -
Recipes - NEW - Carolyn's Tropical Coconut Macaroons
If you don't get Ralph Shaw's newsletter, I recommend it. I especially like this month's entry. Check it out. He also has a great website with lots of information.
www.RalphShaw.ca
I confirmed today that there WILL be a Ukulele workshop in Port Townsend at Fort Warden (Centrum) September 11-15, 2013. The website will have information about this THIS week, maybe even tomorrow. I have been to many music workshops in Port Townsend and it is a great place and I expect the new ukulele workshop to be wonderful. Pat and I will almost certainly be signing up the minute we can, although I don't know yet the cost or who the teachers are. http://centrum.org/
Closing thoughts from me- I am super proud of our group and I love each and every one of you. This musical community is a very important part of my life and I am so glad that you all want to keep learning and developing as a group. Most important of all to me is how positive and supportive of each other you all are, always keeping our goal of having fun and sharing the music in the forefront.
Pat and I wish you all the happiest of holidays and and we look forward to a more musical adventures in 2013.
Gail
Thank You to Trish for bringing cookies and and Irish Cream, and to Pommie and her sister for the gift of real organic honey for us all.
In general, the group as a whole:
Likes the variety of music we have in our repertoire and the different levels of challenge.
Wants to learn new things and be challenged.
Likes to perform and wants to continue (some want more performances).
Prefers performing to an audience that is listening (Fair, Library, Museum) rather than being background music (craft fairs, markets, etc)
Very much likes the idea of a guest conductor now and then (many ideas regarding this were offered) or bringing in teachers for new technique and inspiration.
Likes being given technique exercises and learning new things.
Presented a wide range of opinions for new repertoire including Big Band, Old Ballads, Classical, Reggae, Doo Wap, Hawaiian ….. almost anything (but no one suggested Rap).
Wants to continue to develop our arrangements and skills.
My Take on all of this:
It seems like we are on the right track and pretty unified in our vision for the group. I heard an overwhelming desire to keep learning and improving, making music together, and sharing our music.
The great ideas I heard from you last night really help me to plan for the next year. I will work with you to get some guests to the group to keep us all inspired and give us new perspectives. I will continue to search for a variety of music, and creating arrangements (with your help) that will work for our group. I will keep bringing exercises for you (and me) to work on your technique. And lets all look for performing opportunities that would be appropriate (and enjoyable) for us in the community.
We will resume Monday "rehearsal" on January 7. I have reserved the same room for us at BUF. I will get back with you later about the cost (room rent and copies) and you can pay in January.
During the break here are some things you can work on:
Change your strings! Yes - I mean YOU. Strings should be changed regularly (every 2-3 months some folks say) they get stretched out and lose their quality of tone and become difficult to tune. If you are sometimes playing out of tune, your strings could be the culprit. (I have 4 sets of Aquila strings for concert or soprano with low g that I will sell for $5.00 per set).
Scales - pull out your old sheet of scales and work through them. If you can't find them click here.
Lady Madonna - I passed this out last night. I'm not sure if we will do this piece, but we'll try it out. The top two lines are for Ukes and the bottom line will be the bass.
Practice with a pick - In order to increase our volume so that the ukuleles can be heard in difficult venues, I believe that we are going to need to start using flat picks more on instrumental pieces. We'll work on this together but you'll need to work on it at home. Remember to hold the pick so that it strikes the strings at about a 45 degree angle and it makes it easier to use and to tremelo with the pick. Pull out Book 3 and the lesson on using flat picks to help you along.
Other misc. stuff -
Recipes - NEW - Carolyn's Tropical Coconut Macaroons
If you don't get Ralph Shaw's newsletter, I recommend it. I especially like this month's entry. Check it out. He also has a great website with lots of information.
www.RalphShaw.ca
I confirmed today that there WILL be a Ukulele workshop in Port Townsend at Fort Warden (Centrum) September 11-15, 2013. The website will have information about this THIS week, maybe even tomorrow. I have been to many music workshops in Port Townsend and it is a great place and I expect the new ukulele workshop to be wonderful. Pat and I will almost certainly be signing up the minute we can, although I don't know yet the cost or who the teachers are. http://centrum.org/
Closing thoughts from me- I am super proud of our group and I love each and every one of you. This musical community is a very important part of my life and I am so glad that you all want to keep learning and developing as a group. Most important of all to me is how positive and supportive of each other you all are, always keeping our goal of having fun and sharing the music in the forefront.
Pat and I wish you all the happiest of holidays and and we look forward to a more musical adventures in 2013.
Gail
Linda Darks and the Tuesday night class had this shirt made for me. She also wrote some new words to Sweet Betsy from Pike which the class sang at our Tuesday night class. The punch line is "Our mantra is Smile Dammit and never speed".
December 3, 2012
Changes resulting from last night's rehearsal - We will SING the first time through on Simple Gifts and Pick the 2nd time through. Intro - 2 measures arpeggio.
Alexander's - No drum solo (2 measures 44-45) for the holiday performances next week-end. Even if John is able to play with us, the pickers have stepped up and are now able to play the phrase - yea!
We always sound so good at BUF. It is so much easier to play at a familiar place.
Friday night be at the Public Market - 1530 Cornwall. We play at 7:00 so get yourselves there, tuned and ready by then. Saturday we are at Allied Arts. Playing at 12:45 (address and directions on the "Performances" page). Afterwards we will do some caroling downtown. Pat and I will bring some BIG copies of Christmas music to sing.
Next Monday we will meet and do a mini workshop on the fingerpicking that Aaron gave us. We'll practice the patterns and put them to use in some songs.
We will also talk about our plans for next year so if you have idea of songs, or types of songs, you would like to do, bring your ideas with you.
See you Friday,
Gail
Changes resulting from last night's rehearsal - We will SING the first time through on Simple Gifts and Pick the 2nd time through. Intro - 2 measures arpeggio.
Alexander's - No drum solo (2 measures 44-45) for the holiday performances next week-end. Even if John is able to play with us, the pickers have stepped up and are now able to play the phrase - yea!
We always sound so good at BUF. It is so much easier to play at a familiar place.
Friday night be at the Public Market - 1530 Cornwall. We play at 7:00 so get yourselves there, tuned and ready by then. Saturday we are at Allied Arts. Playing at 12:45 (address and directions on the "Performances" page). Afterwards we will do some caroling downtown. Pat and I will bring some BIG copies of Christmas music to sing.
Next Monday we will meet and do a mini workshop on the fingerpicking that Aaron gave us. We'll practice the patterns and put them to use in some songs.
We will also talk about our plans for next year so if you have idea of songs, or types of songs, you would like to do, bring your ideas with you.
See you Friday,
Gail
November 19, 2013
The heading this week is the rough translation of Hinei Ma Tov (thanks to Karen) and is so fitting for us. We made lovely joyful music Monday night.
I have put the songs for the Holiday Set in playing order and I have replaced the List With Notes with a corrected and complete one.
You will find information about the Ukulele Festivals that I mentioned last night in Links. My Squash Soup recipe is ready to download. Click Recipes. You too can share your great recipes that we have sampled at our great potlucks. Just email them to me and I will add them to the recipe page. Who knows? Maybe we'll put together a cookbook one day.
THE REST OF THE YEAR:
Next week we will practice all of the songs on the list that we did not get to last night, and our 4 new pieces in preparation for our Dec 1 performances. The following Monday (Dec 3) we will spend polishing up any rough spots in the list of songs. The following Monday (Dec. 10) we will review and practice the finger picking patterns that Aaron gave us in his workshop (This can be a mini-workshop for anyone who didn't make it to Aaron's workshop). We will also play some songs that we know using these patterns. On Dec 10, I would also like to spend a few minutes talking about what you would like to see in the future for the BUG Ensemble (your ideas and desires) and some tentative plans for next year. Dec 10 will be our last rehearsal/class for this year and we will resume (probably) on January 7.
In the words of my favorite yoga teacher; Be thankful for your many blessings.
I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
See you Monday.
Gail
The heading this week is the rough translation of Hinei Ma Tov (thanks to Karen) and is so fitting for us. We made lovely joyful music Monday night.
I have put the songs for the Holiday Set in playing order and I have replaced the List With Notes with a corrected and complete one.
You will find information about the Ukulele Festivals that I mentioned last night in Links. My Squash Soup recipe is ready to download. Click Recipes. You too can share your great recipes that we have sampled at our great potlucks. Just email them to me and I will add them to the recipe page. Who knows? Maybe we'll put together a cookbook one day.
THE REST OF THE YEAR:
Next week we will practice all of the songs on the list that we did not get to last night, and our 4 new pieces in preparation for our Dec 1 performances. The following Monday (Dec 3) we will spend polishing up any rough spots in the list of songs. The following Monday (Dec. 10) we will review and practice the finger picking patterns that Aaron gave us in his workshop (This can be a mini-workshop for anyone who didn't make it to Aaron's workshop). We will also play some songs that we know using these patterns. On Dec 10, I would also like to spend a few minutes talking about what you would like to see in the future for the BUG Ensemble (your ideas and desires) and some tentative plans for next year. Dec 10 will be our last rehearsal/class for this year and we will resume (probably) on January 7.
In the words of my favorite yoga teacher; Be thankful for your many blessings.
I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
See you Monday.
Gail
November 12, 2012
We have only two more rehearsals before we start our holiday performances so we will be trying to get through all of the songs on the set list during the next two weeks. It will be very helpful if you get all of the music together (it is now on the website if you can't find it from last year) and play through each tune. You will also find a word doc with the Holiday Set List - but it is NOT COMPLETE at this time and NOT in set order yet. I will try to get it complete by next Monday. It does, however, contain some notes that might be helpful with your practice.
Char doesn't speak up very often, so when she does, I feel like we should listen. So …. you will find the ever popular Chipmunk Song there.
I have put the revised arrangements for Hot Tamales and Hinei Ma Tov on the website. Next week please make sure you have all of the music on the set list. Also we are going to try sitting in our Alexander's sections from the beginning.
Saturday - Right after the Aaron Keim workshop and concert at the Blue Horse Gallery/Cafe there will be a potluck (sort of) dinner at my house. I will make some soups and Carol will make a veggie stew. If you want to come, please bring either bread or a dessert and bring whatever you want to drink. Aaron's wife, Nicole, will be here also (and will be performing with him).
My address is 316 N. Forest St. My phone # is 733-6867
We have only two more rehearsals before we start our holiday performances so we will be trying to get through all of the songs on the set list during the next two weeks. It will be very helpful if you get all of the music together (it is now on the website if you can't find it from last year) and play through each tune. You will also find a word doc with the Holiday Set List - but it is NOT COMPLETE at this time and NOT in set order yet. I will try to get it complete by next Monday. It does, however, contain some notes that might be helpful with your practice.
Char doesn't speak up very often, so when she does, I feel like we should listen. So …. you will find the ever popular Chipmunk Song there.
I have put the revised arrangements for Hot Tamales and Hinei Ma Tov on the website. Next week please make sure you have all of the music on the set list. Also we are going to try sitting in our Alexander's sections from the beginning.
Saturday - Right after the Aaron Keim workshop and concert at the Blue Horse Gallery/Cafe there will be a potluck (sort of) dinner at my house. I will make some soups and Carol will make a veggie stew. If you want to come, please bring either bread or a dessert and bring whatever you want to drink. Aaron's wife, Nicole, will be here also (and will be performing with him).
My address is 316 N. Forest St. My phone # is 733-6867
November 5, 2012
You all sound so good, and learn so quickly these days. And Thank You for being so patient as we experiment with the arrangements on Monday night.
Santa Baby - We were beginning to have fun with it last night. Arrangement is as printed on the music with the exception of the ending which we will refine next week. Notes about the ending are here.
Hot Tamales is also shaping up even though we have not practiced it in a while. You will now find arrangement notes on the Hot Tamales page (just click it!).
Hinei Ma Tov is going to be very beautiful and a great addition to our repertoire. Click for arrangement notes.
I Love a Ukulele - I am impressed with how this song is coming together given that is such a challenging tune and, for many of you, the first time you have used some of the "closed" chords shapes that are in it. Thanks for rising to the challenge, and now you will have the new shapes as part of you regular stock.
Alexander's Ragtime Band - we will practice this next week. All of the files for it (mp3 and Pdf) are now available.
Next Week we will practice all of the above and (If time allows) Carol of the Bells, and Simple Gifts. Please practice all of the above and let me know if you have questions.
Click on performances to see our schedule for December and please let me know if you will not be able to attend any of the events.
See you next week.
Gail
You all sound so good, and learn so quickly these days. And Thank You for being so patient as we experiment with the arrangements on Monday night.
Santa Baby - We were beginning to have fun with it last night. Arrangement is as printed on the music with the exception of the ending which we will refine next week. Notes about the ending are here.
Hot Tamales is also shaping up even though we have not practiced it in a while. You will now find arrangement notes on the Hot Tamales page (just click it!).
Hinei Ma Tov is going to be very beautiful and a great addition to our repertoire. Click for arrangement notes.
I Love a Ukulele - I am impressed with how this song is coming together given that is such a challenging tune and, for many of you, the first time you have used some of the "closed" chords shapes that are in it. Thanks for rising to the challenge, and now you will have the new shapes as part of you regular stock.
Alexander's Ragtime Band - we will practice this next week. All of the files for it (mp3 and Pdf) are now available.
Next Week we will practice all of the above and (If time allows) Carol of the Bells, and Simple Gifts. Please practice all of the above and let me know if you have questions.
Click on performances to see our schedule for December and please let me know if you will not be able to attend any of the events.
See you next week.
Gail
October 29, 2012
In my excitement at being back, I forgot to thank Wendy for organizing and being in charge of the Langley Sharing night and to all of you who shared your material. My Tuesday class said that you all did a great job.
We worked on I Love a Ukulele. click on the the title for the new cleaned up version with the intro and outro, along with notes on the music. We decided to only play triplets on measures 23 & 24 (the F7 and F7+).
We worked on two new tunes for the Holiday set list:
Hinei Ma Tov - a Hebrew song that begins in 3/4 time and changes to 4/4. We will play it partly as instrumental and partly vocal. click on the title for the Pdf, and for a you tube link to the song
Santa Baby - just for fun. Ladies sing the lead, men Ba Boom. click on the title for the Pdf, and a youtube of Eartha Kitt singing this song, complete with Ba Booms. This tune was written for her.
Carol of the Bells won't take much work. It sound great already, and Alexander's gets more and more tight each week.
Gigs for the Holidays so far:
Dec 1 - Kay's (Fast) 2nd annual Holiday Craft Fair (I'm not sure what it's called). Time TBA
Dec 7 - an Everybody Bicycles event at the Public Market. 7-8pm. It has been suggested that we might go out for a beer afterwards.
NEXT WEEK we will work on
Hinei Ma Tov
Santa Baby
Alexander's
Hot Tamales
Melikalikimaka (if we have time)
In my excitement at being back, I forgot to thank Wendy for organizing and being in charge of the Langley Sharing night and to all of you who shared your material. My Tuesday class said that you all did a great job.
We worked on I Love a Ukulele. click on the the title for the new cleaned up version with the intro and outro, along with notes on the music. We decided to only play triplets on measures 23 & 24 (the F7 and F7+).
We worked on two new tunes for the Holiday set list:
Hinei Ma Tov - a Hebrew song that begins in 3/4 time and changes to 4/4. We will play it partly as instrumental and partly vocal. click on the title for the Pdf, and for a you tube link to the song
Santa Baby - just for fun. Ladies sing the lead, men Ba Boom. click on the title for the Pdf, and a youtube of Eartha Kitt singing this song, complete with Ba Booms. This tune was written for her.
Carol of the Bells won't take much work. It sound great already, and Alexander's gets more and more tight each week.
Gigs for the Holidays so far:
Dec 1 - Kay's (Fast) 2nd annual Holiday Craft Fair (I'm not sure what it's called). Time TBA
Dec 7 - an Everybody Bicycles event at the Public Market. 7-8pm. It has been suggested that we might go out for a beer afterwards.
NEXT WEEK we will work on
Hinei Ma Tov
Santa Baby
Alexander's
Hot Tamales
Melikalikimaka (if we have time)