Ukestras - Mark

The Home of Ukulele Orchestras in the Hunter Valley, NSW

“The ukulele is a noble little instrument... anyone serious about music will eventually come to play one.”
Bob Brozman (stringed instrument god)

"There's not much you can do with a ukulele that doesn't sound happy."
Jeff Lynne (Electric light orchestra)

Beginners workshops | Ukastle  | Maitland | Tomaree | LakeMacUkestra |WestNewkestra | Advanced

WestNewkestra

Thursday nights - 6:30-8:30 - aimed at novitiates to intermediates

Since we started the Beginners Workshops there has been a great demand for new people to join Tuesday night Ukastle Ukestra sessions at the Wickham Croatian Sports Club. However this group is now quite large and we are unable to provide the attention to detail for new ukulele players who have just completed the Beginners Workshop. It is massive fun, but many of the Ukastle Ukestrans (many of whom started in November 2009) have become quite advanced. Evenso there is still a welcome mat out for new players, and there are also many beginner parts within the existing arrangements.

Hence we have started a Thursday night session, with the vibrant and vivacious Jane at its helm. Our aim is to provide another night time opportunity for people to enjoy a Ukestra session, to help people learn in a less advanced environment and to provide a Ukestra which is more accessible to Newcastle's western suburbs.

The perfect place!  The Water Board Bowling Club

The Water Board Bowling Club (the A on the map) is at the top of the hill in Lambton North - 2 Compton St. It is right next to the big enclosed water tanks there. (Don't get it mixed up with Braye Hill Park. Different spot!). Hopefully this map will help you find your way to its magnificent views and friendly atmosphere.


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The WestNewkestra Session started on 10 March 2011, and is another two hour weekly ukestra session costing $10. It runs from 6:30-8:30pm.  This is Jane's first ukestra, and she really likes to bring her acapella and singing passions into play with her ukulele tuition (which also includes an emphasis on finger picking). Jane has been playing ukulele for 3 years, and has attended every ukestra session, assisted with beginners sessions and run sessions in Mark's absence.  She also performs uke with Mark in the duo SQuidge and with The Do Riders.

All Ukestra attendance is casual (pay as you go), and is ideal whether you just want to have fun with others whilst practicing your new found skills, or to brush up on your uke skills that you are unleashing on the world elsewhere.

However, as many diehard ukestrans will tell you, the Ukestras are a wonderful experience of their own, and public performances are especially inspiring. Join in in whatever way suits you.