Thursday, March 25, 2010

Make your own Transposing Wheel

There comes a time when we all say.. 'Wow.. I can't sing that song, can someone change the key?' Well, now YOU can. Yes folks, you can change that song that's in C... to F or versa-vicey. Even vice-versa.

Download this handy tool, put it together. Then go to the March songs... and practice transposing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' to G. Page two has all the instructions.

Monday, March 22, 2010

March WikWiki -- After thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised to see that our little group almost doubled in size... with a third made up of first time ukulele players. I hope we can grow and grow.... it would be nice to extend our time in the future.

I talked to a few of you afterwards and with my own observations of this last Sunday, I think I am going to make some changes for the better. If you wish to add a comment to this post, please do. I look forward to hearing your input, if it can make improvements for the better.

Observation #1:
In the Beginners workshop I find myself running the class very fast in order to get in all the information in the 45 minutes to hour alloted. I feel it has become too fast, and this pace follows through to the song circle. I believe I am leaving some of you, the very beginner, behind and possible confused. The class was created for the very beginner, so that is not a good thing.

My Fix: I will teach only one of the vamps per workshop... the vamp that leads us into our first song. The other vamp and its chords will be covered as we get into the song circle. A good solution would be to do the 'F' vamp one month and the 'C' vamp the next month.. when I can find a suitable song.

Observation #2:
Again another time constraint, with the song circle. I found this past circle, the three songs were almost too many. By the time we finished with them, still in that rush, there was little time to do selections in the song book. The simpler songs for the beginners were left out... not good. And we broke up very late.... which impacted the pot-luck group that followed us. (hope the food was still warm)

My Fix: We don't need a whole bunch of new songs each month, we need to sing the songs we have. Instead of 3 new songs each month, I will only bring two.. one easy... one intermediate with something new to it, that can be a learning tool.

Observation #3:
I am way too hyper... which makes me move the class fast. I think I need a 'Hyper monitor', someone to yell out 'Slow down'. LOL I get so excited.

My Fix: Someone with a club... or the promise that I will try to slow it down.

Observation #4:
Am I getting to those that need help? Of the people new to the ukulele and forming chords, am I getting you the help you need? I know when I ask, most of you tell me to go on.. continue. I find I take your advice and go on with the flow of the group... but then I know I have left you frustrated and possible confused... not good.

My Fix: Again my slowing everything down will help. I would love to feel that at the end of the song circle/workshop... no one is frustrated or confused. They know what they have to work on and are encouraged to do so. I would also ask that the more experienced players look over to your neighbor and give them a hand.

I hope there's not anymore... but, if you have a comment, please let me know.

Thank you for a wonderful March WikiWiki... see you all in April.

Pak

Friday, March 12, 2010

What do I do if I am new?

Well, then I say... Welcome. Then after all of the applause... look to the nav bar on the left and you'll find all you need.
  • A map
  • A where and when note
  • A chord chart if you need one... and you will. lol
If this is your first time with a ukulele... then download:
  • Grabbing the Chords with Ease - beginners' first chords
  • UWW Song Book UNO
  • And fill up your 'Book UNO' with at least the current months new songs if not all past months. We will always try to have at least 3 new songs each month.
The first 45 minutes or hour is 'Beginning Ukulele' for all that are totally new. Following this is our song circle, still beginning... maybe pushing the intermediate level, but I try to make it easy and enjoyable for all.

So, come on down... grab a chair... tune up... and feel the Aloha.

3 new March songs

Three new songs for us to help bring in March. A little bit of Stephen Foster with 'Camptown Races' and to help liven up the Irish, 'When Irish Eyes are Smiling'. And we'll round it off with an old favorite 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.

OK, for those of you that say that the 'Twinkle' song is a baby song.... well, we'll play it in three keys... and one of them you will have to transpose yourself. Don't worry I'll give you the tools and show you how. You'll be a pro when we're done.

Please download this months three songs, add them to your song book, and bring yourself to the next WikiWiki on March 21st. at 1:30.

Keep Strumming
( o )==++