| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Tonya
Lokahi
USA
177 Posts |
 Posted - 07/25/2004 : 5:51:15 PM
|
Yep, I wish I could say it was a Paradise in Hawaii, but I'm surrounded by pine trees instead of palm trees. Sigh... This is a bit long, but I figure if I'm going to post more in the future I'd best be polite and introduce myself.
I've posted only a couple of times, but I read this every day. I'm a forever-beginner in ukulele. I've attended a few ukulele festivals (UkeExpo in Providence in 2003, Indianapolis' MidWest UkeFest in 2003, and the Santa Cruz UkeFest West and Hayward festival in April 2004) and I listen to lots of CDs to try to learn more.
Thanks to KonaBob's postings, I was able to enjoy a beginning ukulele lesson at one of the Aloha Friday gatherings at the Keauhou Shopping Center south of Kona when I was there in April. I also had the chance to jam there--even with my very basic chords and strumming abilities--while some Aunties did the hula to "My Yellow Ginger Lei." I know some of you think that's pretty "so what?" but for me, it was an absolutely grand experience to share in the fun and joy. Willie P (? last name) taught the beginning class and was so friendly and helpful with playing techniques. He even showed me how he played alternate, slack key ukulele tunings. Wow! Auntie Loretta Sherlock invited me to her home to take a lesson, and helped my Dad play (he has severe essential tremor, especially in his hands/arms--but as as result of Auntie Loretta's encouragement and can-do enthusiasm, he went out and bought a Fluke which he strums happily these days).
Next time to Hawaii, I definitely also want to play with Auntie Henrietta Chee in Kona, who put together the "Na Mele Hau 'Oli" beginning CD/songbook for ukulele. She'd invited me to visit last spring, but I was embarrassed because of my playing ability and didn't call her. Big mistake! I met her in Hayward and she said she'd been looking forward to seeing me in Kona--and I wasn't to be ashamed of my playing, that ukulele was to be shared and have fun with. Now I understand better.
In April, I watched Ken Potts build ukuleles in Lahaina (what a nice guy and nice instruments) but missed hearing Rudy Aquino play in Ka'anapali. Next time, too!
My current ukulele goals: To learn chords beyond the open positions. To figure out strumming. To be braver about playing with others--and to keep having fun. To get to one of the summer camps next year!
My other relat-able goals: To progress beyond the first CD in the Instant Immersion Hawaiian set. To plan a trip back to Hawaii (which island?) right after the election in November.
Thanks to all of you here for your guidance, friendly spirit and warm welcome (even for very beginners with no musical background).
|
http://www.uketreasures.com
http://www.ukuleletonya.com |
|
|
islandboo
Lokahi
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2004 : 6:12:34 PM
|
Aloha, Tonya!
I am a perpetual beginner myself at uke - I finally got up the nerve to try a few years ago thanks to Julie Hendrik's kind encouragement, but I am definitely in the rudimentary strumming phase, and keys other than C are just kinda scary. Will you be coming to the MidWest UkeFest in Indy again this year? Maybe we could get together and strum around a bit. I am enthused about this year's instructors because I think we will see a bit more Hawaiian music than last time.
Also, I doubt that you will find anyone here with a "so what?" attitude about basic level play. This discussion group is blessed with supportive, encouraging folks who are genuinely happy to see Hawaiian style music being played, regardless of the player's ability.
Whenever I start to get frustrated or embarassed about my lack of skill (and, let's face it, talent), I remember a quote that Bruce E made on the flea market music bulletin board: "The `ukulele should create aloha, not angst" So be brave, and definitely keep having fun!!
Me ke aloha,
Debbie |
 |
|
|
Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2004 : 12:51:52 AM
|
Hi Tonya,
Awesome to have another `ukulele player here. And what a great set of goals. I should really write mine down so that I can actually accomplish some of them. I particularly like your goal to play with others. Find a supportive group and you will learn so much faster! |
Andy |
|
|
|
Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2004 : 02:12:32 AM
|
Aloha Tonya, if you live in Paradise, CA, have you met Radim Zenkl yet? He is one dynamite musician, on Mandolin as well as on all types of flutes. We just came from a workshop in Northern CA where he taught a Beginning Mandolin class, and I had a blast! And you know what? I've been a perpetual beginner on the slack key guitar, mainly because I don't take the time to practice. The first thing I reach for is the ukulele, because it is small and readily available. Don't ever apologize for the level at which you are playing! Everybody started out at the beginning. 
Oh, and check out the workshops that are available, here as well as in Hawai'i, there are quite a few and they are all lots of fun. Not to mention the wonderful friends you will make.
Julie |
|
|
|
Tonya
Lokahi
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2004 : 3:31:01 PM
|
Thanks, everyone, for the welcome.
Julie--I called Radim Zenkl a few moments ago; he's only lived in town a year or so and I'd not heard of him, but phoned him on your recommendation. He'll be leaving for a tour/workshops later this week but I'm going to meet with him tomorrow for a basic ukulele/theory lesson, one-on-one. I've never had an official "lesson" before. He told me to bring a blank cassette tape and any of my materials. I'm hoping to be able to get some structure (oh no, a bad word?) so I can use it to expand my playing (it really wouldn't be hard to expand upon where I am!). So, thank you. I, of course, also invoked your name.
Debbie--No, I can't make it to Indianapolis this year--I wish I'd met up with you there last year as there didn't seem to be too many people into Hawaiian sounds. I can appreciate Roy Smeck's artistry, but I particularly enjoy a different type of ukulele sound than Tin Pan Alley, etc.
I will be going to the Southern California Ukulele Festival on Oct. 2. Anyone else heading there?
And, for etiquette purposes, do I refer to Admin as simply "Admin" (or Mr. Admin, or Ms. Admin or...) Anyway, however I'm to refer to you, thank you also for the welcome. Now, hold me accountable to those goals! |
http://www.uketreasures.com
http://www.ukuleletonya.com |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
