"Mini-Festival" at Island Bazaar in Huntington Beach

A local ukulele event billed as "a FULL DAY of Ukulele Fun!"

It features workshops and a concert...

http://ukuleleparadise.com/index.php/news/fallforukulele/

Getting songs ready for December!

Hi Ensemblers

In anticipation of the YMCA talent showcase in early December, we should brush up on last years "Sleigh Ride" arrangement. It was a little rusty last time we played, but with a few hours of concentrated practice, I am sure it will be up to speed. M suggested checking out Carol of the Bells arrangement in 4 parts! Yes, you read it correctly... 4 parts. There is a part one and part two, and chords and Baritone DGBE. Click here to hear the MP3 get the tabs. The individual parts look pretty simple, so if you like it, I am sure we could get it ready for December. I have a baritone tuned to DGBE, so we have at least one bari that can do that part. Ode To Joy is another favorite that would work for the Y. If you have other songs to suggest, feel free to mention them, and we will check them out. Next meeting is November 5, so in these next weeks, think about what we are playing, and which songs should be in our core repertoire. We should really have a good number of performance-ready songs so we can take full advantage of unexpected performance opportunities. I think the minimum should be 20 minutes worth of songs that we can comfortably perform. Instrumentals should be the bulk for now, but if you suggest a song with a vocal, it needs to be one where the vocal(s) is as practiced and developed as the instrumental parts.

Video from September 21, 2013 performance

We had a great time performing at one of our favorite venues, the Santa Monica YMCA. Here are some videos of the event. Thanks to all the ensemblers who were able to participate. All that extra practice together really helps. It is always so much fun to play together! 

Songs for upcoming YMCA showcase

The next YMCA Santa Monica Talent Showcase is coming up September 21st, so it is time to concentrate on getting 2 or 3 songs ready for performance. These events have been great opportunities to refine our performance, and I am sure we will gain even more knowledge with this next show. Some songs to practice:

76 Trombones

From Russia With Love

Puttin' on the Ritz

Kerfunten Jig (maybe, but that one needs the most work on the timing)

We will work on all of these, and see which ones are the best choices for this September. We usually get to play 3 songs, but depending on the number of other acts, we might only get to do 2.

The Y is one place where we can test out using microphones and a PA system, and even get there early for a sound check. If we choose to go acoustic again, we can test out seating patterns that allow us to hear and see each other better. Next meeting is September 3rd, possibly in the patio if the night is warm.

Video Highlights of Java Jam at Coffee Connection

Here are some highlights from our August 8, 2013 performance at the Coffee Connection. What a great opportunity to play a full set of songs. What a pleasant courtyard to perform in. I look forward to playing there again.

Thanks to the Coffee Connection for inviting us, and thanks to all the Westside Ukulele Ensemble members that were able to participate on such short notice. Nice job!

We will be doing a public practice in the same courtyard at the first WUE meeting in September if weather permits. Thank you Coffee Connection for being such generous hosts for our group!