Ukuladies strike right chord with fans
Rest homes and community enjoy the classic tunes
ALevin ukulele orchestra continues to spread the joy of music more than a decade after it was first founded. Ukuladies was formed in Te Takere to celebrate New Zealand music month in 2011, and has been playing happy music ever since.
They performed regularly at rest homes and community events, and could claim to have performed a live set once with New Zealand entertainer Frankie Stevens, who was a big fan.
Rona Cooper was one of the founding members of Ukuladies and continues to be a mainstay in the group.
Cooper said the beauty of the ukulele was that compared to other instruments, it was not hard to learn to play.
“And we purposely choose songs that might have four-chord changes, not one with nine-chord changes,” she said.
Ukuladies play a mixture of new songs and classics, from Sway and Count on Me ,to Blue Suede Shoes and Summer Holiday.
One of the most rewarding aspects of performing was regular gigs at rest homes, where people were encouraged to sing along.
Cooper, who studied as a music therapist for a year at Victoria University in Wellington, was a strong believer in the ability of music to lift the spirits.
“Music is a wonderful thing,” she said.
Ukuladies has a healthy number in their membership and always welcomes new members. The group meets at a local cafe twice a month, and holds regular practices too.
Cooper said it was a social group and there were no membership fees.
“You come when you can. There’s no obligation,” she said.
Members of the orchestra said they love it. “When Rona suggested starting up a ladies ukulele group
about 10 years ago I had never ever played a stringed instrument. I’m so glad I decided to go along. It is great brain exercise learning new skills and tunes, I have made many new friends and we share lots of fun. Playing out
at rest homes is a highlight especially when the audience join in or get up and dance. It’s great to be able to share the enjoyment of the music,” one member said.
“I joined to learn an instrument in
a no-pressure friendly environment, while also enjoying the chance as a group to entertain at places like the war vets and Masonic,” said another.
“I enjoy Ukeladies as I love the music and also the friendship. I joined the group almost eight years ago and look forward to each Thursday practice.
“I love that we share the pleasure we get, when we play ukulele together.”