UKULELES ARE STRIKING THE RIGHT CHORD FOR MUSIC LOVERS AT GEMLIFE PACIFIC PARADISE.
Since the over-50s lifestyle resort’s ukulele players’ group, then only five-strong, first performed before 140 people at last year’s Christmas party to resounding success, the number of players has more than doubled.
Ukulele group coordinator, Irene Paine, said there were now 12 players, with membership given a boost after being featured in The Gem.
“When GemLife Bribie Island’s Cool Hand Uke players read about us, they immediately got in touch and both groups have since had two fabulous jam sessions followed by lunch together. Their local U3A ukulele players have also invited us to jam with them,” said Irene.
Many of the GemLife Pacific Paradise first players, who joined about 18 months ago, were testing their skills as musicians for the first time. But regular sessions and a little practise has boosted their confidence and technique, according to Irene who has been strumming tunes on the so-called ‘happy instrument’ for the past four years.
“People are picking it up pretty easily. Obviously, there are some that take to it a bit quicker than others, but I usually try and give them a lesson or two before they join the group to set them off on the right foot. All anyone really needs is the desire to play the ukulele. The rest will just come.”
The group, which meets Tuesday mornings in the resort’s library, has a broad selection of popular songs and Christmas carols in their repertoire, as well as two talented singers in Irene’s husband, Ross, and another gifted homeowner, Tanneke.
“We would love to have more singers and players join the group. We are not looking for perfection, but rather just to have fun and enjoy each other’s company … and that is something we do extremely well,” said Irene.
If the ukulele group and their singers are called upon to provide some light-hearted entertainment at Christmas this year, they will be ready and willing, according to band member Anita Rollinson.
“Just in case, we have been practising about six well-known carols to which residents can sing along. We’ve had such a great time and are really enjoying getting together in an activity that is so rewarding and such fun,” she said.