Do you play the ukulele?

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Our news service sometimes puts up a ‘human interest’ segment. Heaven knows it’s welcome, particularly now, after all the coronavirus special reports that we’ve been getting. Last night’s segment focussed on the continuing and increasing popularity of the ukulele. The ukulele is highly portable and equally suited to being a solo or group instrument. One of those interviewed described it as a ‘happy’ instrument. In some WA (West Australian) schools, the ukulele is ousting the plastic recorder as a means of involving children with music. The instrument is synonymous with Hawaii, having been introduced there by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century. Hawaiian musician, Israel Kamakawiwo?ole’s, rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ in the 1990s helped popularise the instrument. In Albany, on WA’s south coast, the ukulele is being taught in schools and 250 are sold in an average month. One luthier (instrument maker) in Albany is building custom ukuleles using high-quality Australian timbers. Once seen as perhaps a poor cousin to most other instruments, it now appears in the hands of many a very accomplished artist and small groups are appearing in many towns. We even have one in Donnybrook. The photo is from a concert at the Music Shack. The lady on the left is playing a ukulele.