- Details

FUN AND LAUGHTER WHILE PLAYING THE UKULELE
If you have always harboured a secret – or not so secret – desire to learn how to play the ukulele or if you play already and would like to improve your skills, you may have considered joining one of our ukulele-playing breaks. On these breaks, you will receive expert tuition from our leaders and plenty of time to practice in a supportive environment where the focus is on having fun while you learn.
In October, HF Leaders Chris McShane and Catherine Embleton led two breaks at Abingworth Hall in the South Downs – Play Ukulele and Play Ukulele Next Step. Across the two breaks, the guests ranged from complete beginners to those who already played with ukulele groups. On both breaks social distancing measures and house adaptations for Covid-19 were in place ensuring compliance with all government guidelines.
Leader Catherine Embleton reports:
“We covered a huge range of music to suit all tastes from Tallis’ Canon to Queen with some Elvis thrown in for good measure. Restrictions on singing didn’t hold us back and one guest embraced her creative side by choreographing actions for ‘How much is that doggie in the window?’ which were, quite literally, beyond words. It was decided that we should dedicate our rendition of ’Singing in the Rain’ to the walkers in the house as commiseration for the rather changeable weather that week. On the final evening of each holiday, Chris and I gave a performance for our guests with audience participation, including several seated dance moves (patting the dog, changing a light bulb, stacking the shelves). One guest commented that the holiday should be called ‘play ukulele and laugh a lot’ and we certainly did both of these things. A huge thank you to all the guests and staff for making this week so special. “
Guest Feedback



So why play the Ukulele?

Benefits of playing the ukulele

About our leaders
Chris McShane
Chris formerly worked for Barnsley Music Service as Curriculum Development Officer for Guitar, Keyboard, Vocal studies and Music ICT and is now a freelance musician and instrumental teacher. In recent years, Chris has been active in promoting and teaching the ukulele. This teaching has ranged from full classes of 30 children in schools to groups of seniors in retirement homes. Chris also runs workshops at festivals and summer schools. He also runs a monthly ukulele club which is in its fifth year with over 60 members attending. Chris is also the musical director of the Uke Power festival.
Catherine Embleton
Catherine is an experienced professional musician and woodwind teacher. In addition to performing on clarinet and saxophone with a variety of ensembles, including dance bands, orchestras and chamber groups, she also coaches and conducts several wind ensembles. Having taught in schools for many years, she now specialises in sharing her passion with adult players and in making a varied repertoire accessible to all abilities. Aside from music, she enjoys yoga, walking and homemade cake.