The ukulele boom

When Douglas Scott asked his wife, Annette, what she would like for Christmas he was stunned by her reply.
 “ Ukulele.”
 A keen musician himself, he plays a variety of instruments including saxophone mandolin and piano, he knew Annette had no such musical background nor had she shown that much interest.
 
Nevertheless Annette, who also happens to be captain of the Bridge of Allan Ladies golf club, took it up with gusto. Soon they had a few friends playing with them.
 
And now over one year later they have a flourishing group of 19 players and they call themselves The Strummers . What’s more they have a busy diary of gigs, mostly in residential homes.
 
They like to create a bit of a splash on these visits and go armed with Hawaiian garlands (ukulele originated in Portugal before taking off in its present form in Hawaii). Residents are invited to wear garlands and join in the singsongs.
 
Douglas says anyone can learn to play the ukulele and the ability to read music is not required.
Annette added that many members of the group, who meet and practise weekly, tell her that they find playing and singing an uplifting experience.
“They say they leave here with lifted spirits.”
 
They are not alone. The whole country is enjoying a ukulele boom. Apparently it’s the most popular instrument to play partly because of the ease with which anyone can pick it up – and the cost, starting at £20.
 

And it all started from a Christmas present. Oh yes I forgot to mention they are all over 60 which goes to show you can take up this musical instrument at any age.

I filmed them this afternoon for a project I am doing for an upcoming exhibition next month.