Ukelele Ensemble

About

The Stage 3 Ukulele group is a musical interest group focused on playing and performing the ukulele. The group was formed to provide students with an opportunity to play a different instrument other than what was already on offer at the school, catering for other students who had musical ability that were not involved in other instrumental groups who wanted to develop their musical ability. There is also an emphasis on playing for personal enjoyment and for fun and students are also provided with an opportunity to have an input into song selection for the group.

Selection process

There is a basic audition process as it is not a beginner’s group. Students need to have some basic experience and knowledge playing the ukulele. They need to know basic cords and how to strum or have prior experience playing another instrument and be able to transfer this knowledge. The ensemble is open to students from Years 5 and 6.

The Program

One lunchtime a week students have a rehearsal with the group with the selected repertoire. Students are encouraged to practise regularly at home in their own time. On occasions students can be heard stumming their instruments in the playground during breaks. Once students have mastered their repertoire, they have the chance to perform in school events.

Benefits of the Program

Students further develop and practise their musical and performance skills; they learn how to tune and care for their instrument. It fosters student’s musical appreciation and enjoyment of learning, playing and performing in a group setting. It also provides them with a sense of pride, responsibility and belonging to the school community.

Meet the Teachers

Vanessa White – Classroom Teacher. Ms White has enjoyed learning and playing the ukulele herself over the past 5 years. She has also had experience as a music teacher specialist and has had many opportunities to engage in professional learning specific to music. Ms White has taken part in music teacher mentoring programs both as the mentee and then the mentor. She also has had prior experiences leading school African drumming, recorder and choir ensembles.

Tanya Millalonco – Classroom Teacher. Mrs Millalonco has a strong interest in fostering the Performing Arts in school and has a musical background in the guitar. She is always looking to enhance her teacher practice by further developing her skills and has been involved the school music mentoring program. Mrs Millalonco has previously led school-based drama groups.