“If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place.”-Jake Shimabukuro

Ukuleles were introduced to the Hawaiians in the 1870s by Portugese traveling there to work in the sugar fields. Originally called machete de braga, the Madeira laborers celebrated their safe arrival by singing folksongs accompanied by the machete. The machete was renamed “Ukulele” in the Hawaiian language, meaning “jumping flea.” It rose quickly to popularity and became regarded as Hawaii’s national instrument.

Heidi Monteleone

Montessori Country Day School Ukulele Program

Dear Mulberry Parents,

Ukulele lessons have begun with the Mulberry students, and the children are beyond excited. On the first day they learned the names of the parts of the ukulele, the correct hand position, and how to hold the ukulele, and how to strum and play a C chord. We all strummed our ukuleles and sang Old MacDonald. It went great, if you didn't care how it sounded! But seriously, they did very well.

Of course as with learning to play any instrument, regular practicing is the key. Every Friday the children will have their ukulele lesson, and every Friday they will bring their ukuleles home. Each student chose the color ukulele of their preference, which comes in its own handy gig bag. Accompanying it home will also be a color coordinated folder and a mini digital tuner. The school is lending these materials to the Mulberry

November Ukulele Newsletter

students, so we ask that you follow some simple precautions:

*Please keep the ukulele out of reach of younger siblings. They are colorful and look like toys but they are of wood construction and are real instruments. If the student has his or her own bedroom it would be ideal if the instrument could be kept there and practiced there.

*The tuners are delicate instruments and should also be handled carefully.

*The folders and tuners should be kept with the ukulele.

MCDS Ukulele Orchestr

a

With Mrs.

Monteleon

Ukulele’s Origins:Portuguese instrument with 4 or 5 strings. Bragunha Machete Machete de

Braga Cavaquinho Rajao

November, 2014 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MCDS

What are the Students Saying about Ukuleles?

Mrs. Monteleone, Stan and Christina are tuning their Ukuleles.

Olivia is tuning her Ukulele.

We will talk about the proper handling of the ukulele with the children before they take them home. It is a good opportunity for them to learn responsibility. They are very excited about taking them home to show you!

Be sure to return the ukuleles with tuners and folders to school each week before Friday. This is a pilot program here at Montessori Country Day School and we want it to be successful! If all goes well there will be a concert to attend in your near future!

The Ukulele Lady,

Emilian said, “I really like Ukulele and I like to strum and tune it.”

Stan said, “I really like to play my favorite son, “Old Mac Donald.”

Christina said, “It was good!” about their recent session.

Aditya said, “It’s fun to play on.” about playing the ukulele.

Most of the children indicated that it was the best class they ever had!

Page 2 November, 2014 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● MCDS