New Playlist for 2016

Over the next two weeks we will be working our way through a new playlist which you can download here: Playlist for 2016 Draft 1 29 Feb. It is made up of some of our favourite ‘old’ songs as well as some of our new songs. During the month of March we have three gigs ranging from 45 minutes to one and a half hours in duration. My intention is to work from the same playlist, but select songs according to available time allocated. I have called it a draft version at the moment as we may decide to tweak it a bit.

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Let the fun begin! 🙂

 

23rd February Round Up

• New Ukulele Class for Beginners: Our Bob is starting up a 4th Dundee U3A Ukulele Group in March. Already he has names of 10 interested people, so his class is full! We wish him well in his new adventure.

• As a few people were asking about imminent gigs, I have created a Word document which details where, when and who has volunteered to attend. I appreciate that various things can crop up nearer the time, so the list may change, but hopefully you will find this helpful. I will continue to list gigs on the Events tab of the website which also includes a map. Click Volunteer Gig List 24 Feb 2016 which covers the March gigs as well as the April workshops and McGonagall Supper.
• Tickets were handed out to those who are attending the workshops and Supper in April. There are still places available for both Saturday workshops.
• Sunday Sessions Folk Club will take place this Sunday 28th February at the Monifieth Bowling Club at 7pm. Dee Ukes members will be singing Sloop John B and Whiskey in the Jar. Hopefully some of you are busy working on your own performances!

Songs practised:

• Dumbarton’s Drums version 1.1 – This is sounding good. We just need to remember to slow down on the last line.
• Red River Valley version 1.1 – This is also sounding good. Again, we should slow down on the last line. Perhaps we will sing it a little faster next time.
• Scarborough Fair – The timing of this song is a bit tricky but we will get it with practice. Remember you are counting in threes with this one. Lovely song.
  • After lines 1 and 3, play an extra Am (3 beats)
  • For line 2, we play the chord C before singing the word Parsley
  • After lines 2 and 4, play 3 extra Ams (3 beats each)
  • For line 4 sing the first word at the same time as playing the first Am chord
  • For the very last line, we go straight to the outro after the last word ‘mine’.
  • Listening to Simon and Garfunkel singing it will help if you are still unsure.

New songs:

• Top Of The World. We went quite slowly to begin with and already it is sounding good. We will try it at a faster pace next time. Remember to go at a speed you are comfortable with when learning a new song and gradually speed up when you are ready.
• Daydream Believer. Apart from some speeding up during the song, we played this one really well. The intro is C (4 beats), Dm (4 beats), C (4 beats), Dm (1 beat). Sing “Oh I could” on beats 2, 3 and 4. We will try it a little faster next time.
• Love Letters in the Sand – We changed the word ‘in’ to ‘from’ in line 4. The instrumental/whistling section is quite hard. Well done Pat for managing it. Those who can’t whistle it could try humming the tune. Overall the song is very short and it was suggested we might create a Pat Boone Medley. (Thanks Anne S) Two suggestions were “Remember You’re Mine” and “April Love”. (Thanks Bette and Mame) You can have a listen to both below. We can then discuss options next week.

 

Many thanks again for your company this week. Anyone else want to start their own class? 🙂

16th February Round Up

DU Business:

• Dee Ukes ‘Business cards’ were handed out. They are mainly to give my contact details to anyone who wishes to book us. They could also be given to anyone who is interested in playing the ukulele as there is a lot of useful information on our website. If you would like any more, please let me know.
• We had been asked to do a gig at Invercarron Resource Centre in Stonehaven, but due to the date requested being Easter weekend and following our discussion, I have declined the invitation. However, I have booked a provisional date for Saturday 24th September from 1.30 – 2.30pm. Please put this in your diary if you are interested in attending.
• There are still workshop places available at the Queens Hotel for Saturday 16th April, either from 10am – 12 noon or 2 – 4pm. If you know of anyone who would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then please let me know. The Friday workshops and the McGonagall Supper are fully subscribed.

We managed to cover the following songs in another fun lesson:

• Wartime Medley 1 is now Version 2.3. I have added a missing chord box for F#m and at the bottom of page 1, on the second last line, the chords now read “[G] Hark I hear the bugle [D] calling”. You can make the changes on your current sheet or print off version 2.3 if you wish. It’s sounding better every time we practise! 🙂
• Wartime Medley 2 version 1.1- This is sounding good. Remember to slow down at the end for the ‘big’ finish.
• Skye Boat Song – Great finger picking again at the intro and each of the choruses. For those who wish to further develop their finger picking on this one, I gave a brief explanation as to how this could be done:
  • Instead of using just the Thumb on the first beat, pluck the Thumb (string 4) and the Middle finger (string 2) together on the first beat. Alternate this with plucking the Thumb and Ring finger (string 1) together, again on the first beat of the next chord. You can either count 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 1& 2& 3&. Let me know if you would like me to go over this again.
• My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose version 1.1- No issues with this one, which was played and sung very nicely.
• Loch Lomond  version 1.1 – No issues with this one either. Well done.
• Scotland the Brave version 1.1 – We practised the key change a few times which proved to be a bit tricky. It is fine as long as we don’t go too fast! I will try a slightly different ending next time – after the last word Brave  E7    A    <A> We can then decide on our preference. 
• Dumbarton’s Drums is now Version 1.2 – I have made one tiny change to the words of the last line and we now sing When Jeannie kneels and kisses me.
• Red River Valley is now Version 1.1 –  I have made a tiny change with this one and have removed the [G] chord at the end, so the final chord is <D>. We probably played this one a little fast, bearing in mind the sad lyrics. Otherwise, it is quite straight forward.
• Scarborough Fair – We discussed the timing of this one and if you wish, have a listen to Simon and Garfunkel singing it and focus on how long the pause is at the end of each line.  We did really well considering it was our first attempt. it’s a beautiful song.

Thanks again to everyone for their hard work and enthusiasm. 🙂

Next week we will try:

• Top of The World
• Daydream Believer
• Love Letters In The Sand

New Songs + 9th Feb Round Up

I have added the following new songs to our website:

• Dumbarton’s Drums – previously in Perth U3A format
• Red River Valley – previously in Perth U3A format
• Scarborough Fair
• Top of the World
• Daydream Believer
• Love Letters In The Sand

We will work through the above over the next few weeks. Please print them off if possible. I will get some extra copies done next week.

9th February Round Up

DU Business:

• Many thanks to all who have volunteered to go to Toll Crescent Sheltered Housing in Forfar on Monday 21st March. It is slightly oversubscribed with 12 ticks and 4 who could attend if needed. I think we will go with 12, even if it means a couple of people standing.
• Thanks also to those who have completed menu choices and payment for the McGonagall Supper on Saturday 16th April. Tickets for Workshops and Supper will be provided by Marjorie (from Happy Ukes) in due course.

Songs practised:

• Wartime Medley 1 – Version 2.1 in keys of D and C. There is a lot in this medley and it is beginning to sound quite good. Well done to everyone who is persevering with the chords of F#7 and B7+5. Practise moving from the chord before, to the tricky chord, to the chord after. Start slowly and gradually get up to the correct speed. We decided to miss out the last C strike at the end of the medley and just finish on the final Run! I also think we will just sing Pack Up Your Troubles …. and It’s a Long Way …once only as the two problem lines still grate on my ears!
• Wartime Medley 2 – Version 1.1. This medley is sounding good. We just need to practise smooth transitions from one song to another. Just a reminder that for the last two lines of the medley stop playing after  the chord of C on the line “Til we [C] meet ….” and start to slow down. The last line is even slower with the ‘high’ finish if you wish.
• Skye Boat Song – Well done to all those who have been practising the finger picking on this song. We decided to finger pick the intro as well as each chorus with those who prefer to strum just strumming quietly. It sounds lovely. I had a request to show a video tutorial of the finger picking pattern, but couldn’t find one exactly the same. The nearest I could get is Mike Lynch’s tutorial which uses different fingering which may confuse! If you wish to have a look, here it is. The fingering I suggested is Thumb on 4th string, Index finger on 3rd string, Middle finger on 2nd finger, Ring finger on 1st string. Mike uses the thumb for strings 4 and 3. The result is the same.

• My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose – Version 1.1. This is sounding good. There was a suggestion that the song was missing a verse. I have checked various versions and found no additional words. In fact many were shorter, so we will leave well alone.
• Loch Lomond – version 1.1. This is also being played and sung well. We decided to slow down the last line of the song. There is an option to miss out the C7, Em and G7 on the last line of each verse and chorus. Keep them in if you wish to practise quick chord changes.
• Scotland the Brave – This was a very good first attempt at our new song. If you are not ready for the chord of E yet, E7 works just as well for this song.

We finished off the session with a few of our favourite songs. Thank you to all for contributing to another fun session. 🙂

If anyone is considering attending the Ukulele Festival of Scotland in Dumfries which takes place from 6th – 8th May, then you had better be quick as tickets and accommodation are all being snapped up. I am sure it will be a fantastic weekend. You can find out more if you wish by going to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ukulelefestivalofscotland/?fref=photo     or their website on http://www.ukulelefestivalofscotland.co.uk/

Happy strumming! 🙂

 

Another Booking!

Just thought I would give advance notice of another request for a gig. This time at Toll Crescent Sheltered Housing in Forfar on Monday 21st March from 2.00 – 3.30pm approx. As space is limited, I am looking for 10 volunteers in total. I will get names next week. There is a map on the Events tab showing how to get there.

Updated Gig diary for 2016 is:

• Monday 14th March – 2.30 – 3.30pm approx. Orchar Care Home, Broughty Ferry
• Friday 18th March – 2.00 – 2.45pm, St Mary’s Care Home, Monifieth
• Monday 21st March – 2.00 – 3.30pm, Toll Crescent Sheltered Housing, Forfar, 2.00 – 3.30pm approx.
• Friday 15th April – 10am – 12 noon or 2pm – 4pm: Ukulele workshops @ Queens Hotel
• Saturday 16th April – 10am – 12 noon or 2pm – 4pm: Ukulele workshops @ Queens Hotel
• Saturday 16th April – 6.30pm for 7pm start – McGonagall Supper @ Queens Hotel
• Thursday 19th May – 2pm – 4pm, Holy Trinity, Monifieth
• Friday 20th May – times tbc – Finlay Allison Workshops @ Letham St Marks Church, Perth
• Sunday 19th June – Monifieth Medieval Fair – tbc

 

Practise Tips

Anne Hamilton, who most of you know from our Dee Ukes group, has given me permission to copy some of the very useful practise tips she has recently posted on her Blog for her Strings Entwined Group. The following tips may help you to be more focused when practising your ukulele. I will definitely be trying some of them out. My new notebook (yet another!) is at the ready.

• GET YOURSELF A PRACTICE NOTEBOOK

to keep a record of your practice.   Write the date and times, goals set and achievements.   This will help you see your progress, and will also be a stark reminder if you haven’t done any practice.

• GOAL SETTING

Before you start practising, write down what it is you hope to achieve in your practice session.

• SLOW PRACTICE

Slow practice allows you to be more aware of everything that is happening when you practice. When we’re playing in the group sometimes we are playing very fast for fun, but it is best to practise slowly at home. You will be aware of things you need to improve and you will give your brain and fingers time to carry out the complex tasks required when playing your instrument.   When you have mastered a skill slowly, then you can speed it up.

• TIME MANAGEMENT

Make the most of the time you have available.   Short focused practice times are more beneficial than hours of unfocused playing.

• HOW TO FOCUS

Make a list of your goals.   Set time limits on each goal.  For example in a 30 minute practice session you might allocate 10 minutes to practising a right hand arpeggio pattern, 10 minutes practising specific chord changes, 10 minutes practising a melody from notation, or TAB.

At the end of your practice session make quick notes of your progress, so that you know where to start again next time.

• WARMING UP

Take time to warm up each time you sit down for a practice session.   Warm ups can include:

Stretching – arms, fingers, neck, shoulders etc

Slow scales or open string playing

Super slow chord changes; finger picking; bowing etc depending on your      instrument

• REPERTOIRE

Practise pieces that are suitable for your ability level.   Practising pieces that are too difficult will demoralise you and you will make very slow progress.

• POSTURE

Ensure that you sit properly; hold the instrument properly; use a music stand and a suitable chair.   Don’t practice loafing about on the couch!

• ENJOY PRACTISING

We play our instruments to have fun.   Taking time to practise should be enjoyable in itself and it will result in more enjoyment when you get the chance to play with others.   If possible get together with others to have a practice sometimes too.   Plan ahead – set a start time, and a time limit for you practise and stick to it!

Remember – practising a musical instrument has great benefits for our physical and mental health.   It also has great social and emotional benefits.    It is not something that has an end.   Every new thing that you learn and master, will take you to the next level and even the greatest professional players keep practising.

 

Many thanks to Anne for the above. Remember PMP. 🙂

 

2nd February Round Up

DU Business:

• New gig at Orchar Care Home in Broughty Ferry on Monday 14th March from 2.30 – 3.30pm approx. We have 12 names at the moment with another 2 possibles. There is room for 1 more if anyone else is interested.
• The gig at St Mary’s Care Home, Monifieth on Friday 18th March currenty has 14 volunteers with 1 possible.
• Many thanks to all who have volunteered for the above. Due to space, numbers are restricted to 15 at each venue.
• Ukulele Workshops & McGonagall Supper @ the Queens Hotel:
  • Friday 15th April am class is full (a waiting list could be started)
  • Friday 15th April pm class has 1 or 2 spaces.
  • Saturday 16th April am and pm classes have spaces available. Spaces are being offered to Perth U3A group.
  • The McGonagall Supper has around 60 attending which is probably very close to the maximum.
  • Each workshop and the Supper will cost £20, either payable directly to Marjorie or to myself. Many thanks to those who have already paid.
  • Next week I will put round a list to those attending the Supper as you are requested to choose from the following menu:
    • Cranachan or Biscuits and Cheese
    • Steak Pie, Fish or Macaroni – all with chips
    • Scotch Broth (Vegetarian) or Haggis
  • Please let me know asap if you would like to be included in any of the above. (DU members only)

Songs practised:

• Wartime Medley 1 (Version 2) – We tried this for the first time in the key of D (apart from last 2 songs which remain in C). There are a number of tricky chords e.g. F#7 and B7 +5. Both of these chords are a little easier if you just play strings 1, 2 and 3. You can also experiment with using different fingers to place on the frets. Just do what you can and don’t worry if you can’t get all the chords at the moment. Just remember PMP. 🙂 You have all come such a long way with your playing. A few people prefer to keep playing the chords used for the key of C version, along with their capo on the second fret. That is perfectly ok. There was 1 chord change on I’ve Got Sixpence – Line 6, change to “No [E7] pretty little … ” for those playing in D. For those playing in C , the chord should be D7. Last line of medley is now “Run! Run! Run!”
• Wartime Medley 2 – This is coming along well. We decided to slow down on the last two lines of the medley and stop playing chords after “Till we [C] meet ….”
• Skye Boat Song – I am delighted a few people had a go at finger picking for this song. Some of us tried just finger picking the first chorus without any singing and it sounded lovely! Next week I will suggest a slight extension to this pattern for those who would like to have a go. The trick is to start slowly and practice regularly, even for a few minutes. Remember PMP. 🙂 Everyone is managing the chords well.
• My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose – We discussed a few word changes on this one. Most people have just written changes on first sheet. However, there is version 1.1 available on the website either for comparison or printing.
• Loch Lomond – Our new song for today went quite well. We tried it at two different speeds and the majority prefer to play it a bit more upbeat. As there are a lot of chords  on the last line of each verse and chorus, you may prefer to leave out three chords as follows:
  • [G7] on the [C] bonnie, bonnie [F] banks o’ Loch [Dm] Lo[C]mond. (missing out the C7, Em and G7). However, if you want to give your fingers a challenge, keep all the chords in! Remember PMP. 🙂
  • There was also a mistake with the chords at the end of line 2. It should read “where the [C] sun shines [Am] bright on Loch [F] Lo[G]mond.”
• Next week we will try “Scotland The Brave”. Sorry Ken!

I will try to allow more time for choosing next week, as it is good to go back over some of our favourites. 🙂