Learning ukulele: Proceeds from Shearer musical fund purchase of instruments for students
Published 11:28 am Monday, March 26, 2018
Collin Berner teaches his third grade music class how to play ukuleles. The ukuleles were recently purchased from the proceeds collected during the 'Aladdin' musical.
Third-grade students gathered around Shearer Elementary School’s music room floor; each taking turns to pick up their colorful ukuleles.
Friday was the first-day students had the opportunity to use the new instruments. Students practiced picking them up, the proper way to hold them and even learned how to strum.
Soon, students will learn songs, music teacher Collin Berner said. He said Shearer was able to purchase the ukuleles with the proceeds made from Shearer Musical Theatre’s production of ‘Aladdin’ in early March.
“We talked with students, and asked if we could have anything that would it be,” Berner said. “We heard guitars and ukuleles.”
Ukuleles were invented in Hawaii during the 1900s, and have anywhere from six to eight strings, making it a bit easier to learn. Berner said ukuleles was the more inexpensive option, and it was an excellent first step before learning the guitar and other string instruments. Berner purchased the ukuleles from James Dean Rocks Music Store in Georgetown.
The school purchased a classroom set, about 30, as well as a teaching model and one extra model to giveaway in a contest.
Third-grader Morgan Boley had never played the ukulele before but said she was excited to learn.
Boley’s classmate, Louis Hall, agreed. Hall said he has two ukuleles at home, but it’s great that he gets to practice at school, too. He said he hopes to learn a lot of songs.
“It’s fun to play the ukuleles because we haven’t had them before,” he said.
About Lashana Harney
Lashana Harney is a reporter for The Winchester Sun. Her beats include schools and education, business and commerce, Winchester Municipal Utilities and other news. To contact her, email lashana.harney@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0015.
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