Sunday, January 24, 2010

Musings and Reflections

Well, coming to the end of the first semester of the school year on Friday. Thinking about the 'Ukulele Club and the class I am teaching. The numbers in the club have settled down quite a bit. Those who were looking to be cool have fallen to the wayside when they realize they have to practice. I also did not check out 'ukuleles right away. There were over 40 kids who wanted to check one out and I only have about 15 that I can check out. Sadly, not everyone is able to get their own. I wonder if I was able to put an 'ukulele in the hands of every kid if more would stay?

At any rate I have 20-40 who show up each week (depends on the competition of activities after school) and we are moving along. They still look to me to teach them but that is okay. Means I have to stay on my toes which is good for me. It also means I have to find songs that they want to play and that they can play. What I do find with kids is if they really want to learn to play something they don't care how "hard" it is.

My 'ukulele playing was taking a bit of a back seat as I was getting geared up this fall for the class and the club. Now, I am playing every week at the Freight & Salvage, taking a class from Hiram Bell. He is a local teacher from Hawaii. It has been good to work on some more picking and ensemble playing.

I am also looking forward to Herb Ohta Jr. coming to town the first week of February. He is giving a concert and I will try to get Karsten a lesson with him.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Karsten and his Ukulele

Check out Karsten on You Tube playing "Here, There and Everywhere". The more views the better chance I have of finding him a 'ukulele sponsor. He is talented and motivated, a wonderful combination in a 13, soon to be 14 year old young man. Please share with as many folks as you can.

(click on the title of this entry to see the You Tube Video)