Ukulele Sing-Along Set Undertakes New Valentine Rep

With four “repeat” participants, Mark and Lindsay’s Valentine Ukulele Sing-Along moved quickly beyond the basics. Branching out into chord structures less predictable and intervals less familiar, students worked through material difficult to physically coordinate and tricky to vocally place in tune. Ms. Lindsay pointed out how well students developed the ability to sing acapella, hearing evidence that they had thoroughly adopted techniques recommended during December’s course. Wonderful!

Having chosen various styles of music, Mark and Lindsay juxtaposed dissimilar material that delivered similar sentiment. This gave students a unique opportunity through the four meeting course to delve into the reasons song-writers select particular chords and intervals, and then to hear and feel the results. Students improved their ability to play melodies and simultaneously strum and sing, which created an even more confident flow in each person’s version of each song. The group learned “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” (an old fashioned standard), “I Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley (as covered by 21 Pilots), “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, and “I’m A Believer” by Neil Diamond/The Monkees (many of the kids knew this song from Shrek).

Many songs were familiar and loved by parents (and grandparents), and so the course provided a fun way for families to have a meaningful and musical experience together. At the last meeting, students conveyed their thoughts: “I like this class. I like the song by 21 Pilots. I really like playing ukulele with other people on Zoom since we can’t get together because of corona virus”, “I like learning different kinds of songs”, and, “I like being able to learn ukulele and voice at the same time.” Look at all these smiling faces – so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you Eli, Ella, Audrey, and Aarnav!