Ukuleles Rock!!

Did you know that the ukulele is becoming one of the most popular instruments in the world? But what, I hear you say, is a ukulele?

Well, the ukulele is simply a little 4 stringed guitar. According to Wikipedia, the ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of the small guitar-like instruments taken to Hawaiʻi by Portuguese immigrants. Ukulele is apparently a Hawaiian word meaning ‘jumping fleas’ – perhaps because of the movement of the fingers whilst playing. There’s also a rather more prosaic interpretation of the word - according to Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch, the name means “the gift that came here”, from the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come)

Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, the most common being the concert size. They are highly portable and relatively inexpensive, and became widely popular throughout the 1920s in the US. And this is the beauty of the instrument – you can buy them in toy shops and high end music shops, and you can spend as little or as much money as you want and they are very portable and light. It is very easy to start playing – there are millions of songs that can be played with 3 or 4 chords on the ukulele.

And you have probably heard the instrument played, whether you know it or not - perhaps in an old Elvis Presley movie, or you may have heard the beautiful, soulful version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, which was played during the very last scenes of the movie 50 First Dates. You may also, depending on your age, be aware of George Formby, a famous comedian and singer from the UK, and ofcourse Tiny Tim, whose rendition of “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” with ukulele became a massive hit in the 1970s. Modern ukulele players tend to distance themselves from these more clichéd styles, as they expand and develop the technique and repertoire of the instrument. Superstars of the instrument, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain performs all kinds of songs, and are not afraid to try anything, from Ave Maria, to Lady Gaga. Ukulele rocks out!

For those who are up to date with their modern music, Train’s Hey, Soul Sister was a massive hit single and has caused huge numbers of people to rush out and buy a ukulele (and subsequently put their version up on YouTube). In fact, the internet and youtube are great places to start learning the ukulele – there are hundreds, probably thousands of video clips teaching the chords and strumming patterns to all kinds of songs.

And now, the ukulele is coming to Kuwait! The ambitiously named Kuwait Ukulele Orchestra (a big name for a little instrument!) is just starting up, and you are invited to join us. We will be modeling ourselves on the Singapore group, the Ukulady Orchestra, which started with four women, and now

boasts a membership of about twenty.

So if you are drawn to the ukulele, want to learn a few old and new songs, as well as singing in harmony, please join us. We will provide the lyrics and chords, as well as a chord sheet so you can figure out where to put your fingers. And for those men and women who are at work at this time, we plan to have a rehearsal every 4 weeks on a weekend, just for you.

And if you, for some inexplicable reason, do not in fact own a ukulele, never fear! We are sourcing ukuleles as we speak, and we will be able to get you one by hook or by crook. Or you could nip down to your local toyshop. The hardest decision will be what colour to buy.

Rehearsals are held in Rumaithiya, on Wednesday mornings from 8.30 to 10am – yes, that’s right – we are probably the only musical group that rehearses at such an early hour! Not very cool, but practical.

Contact Janet: 9098-8031, or email me at janet@janetswain.com

More information: www.ukuleleorchestra.com

www.ukuladyorchestra.blogspot.com