The Ukastle Ukestra
The Ukastle Ukestra is the flagship, or mothership of the
Hunter Ukestras. As at May 2011 we are getting on average 40
people coming along each Tuesday evening. 20 people is a
small night. As a consequence, Tuesday nights is very
convivial and welcoming, with increasing amounts of (often
fruitless) creative discipline required to keep the cats well
herded. We have fun, but are learning a lot together within
the fun.
The sounds are becoming increasingly professional with
singers and harmonies galore, and an increasing usage of
different ukulele parts so that we are really starting to
sound like a genuine Ukestra. So much so that we, the Ukastle
Ukestra, were the proud recipients of the revered 2011 Melbourne Ukulele Festival Golden
Ukulele. Here's what it looks like (they should be wearing
white gloves. The armed guard is just off to the right of
shot).
If you are fresh from a beginners workshop then we place some
faith in the strategy of 'throw them in the deep end'. We
usually do a couple of simple songs that newbies will probably
get through, but then it is on to the more difficult stuff
that the Ukestra needs to rehearse . If you are new, you can Z
chord it, hear the song, sing along, and play a few chords.
During the week you can practice your chords and songs, and
come back the next week with faster fingers, more chords, and
greater familiarity with the music. Most of the songs at the 'Local Ukestra Music and Arrangements'
page have youtube links so you can hear examples of the songs.
The Ukastle Ukestra session happens at the Wickham Croatian
Sports Club, Albert St, Wickham of a Tuesday evening from
6:30-9:00pm. Pavo is our host and he is a delight.
View
Larger Map
Cost is $10 (how much does it cost these days to go sit
in a darkened room by yourself and watch a movie?).
Any rehearsals for impending performances
usually occur at 5:30 prior to the main session. Many people
get there from about then anyhow, for a quiet drink and a
review of the week's ukulele wanderings.
Click here for the Ukastle Ukestra wrap-up/thank-you email for 2010.