This ukulele band “Strings & Sings” is a 27-piece band made up of residents who learned the ukulele two years ago, and many had never played an instrument before. They have gone on the road and started to perform at other Berwick communities as well as at community events.
Strings & Sings wasn’t supposed to become a 27-member band… We were lucky to receive 12 ukuleles in the fall of 2021, and with no one knowing how to play, we brought in an instructor to teach us! Berwick Qualicum Beach Active Living Manager Laurel learned as well, and soon became the leader of ukulele players. These older adults, many of whom had never played a musical instrument before, soon mentioned that it was hard to try to play a new instrument and sing at the same time – perhaps we could ask some singers to join us? And then more people wanted to learn how to play the ukulele, so Laurel has taught beginner ukulele every January since! And now there are 27 members of this inclusive band, where all levels and abilities can join to play music together!
The band has so much fun playing together, and our audiences seem to be impressed by our abilities! We usually perform for other seniors at different communities, but we were asked to perform at Beach Days in Qualicum in July, a family event for all ages. So – we decided to learn songs from every decade! This repertoire has songs from 1925 to 2023, including local now world-renowned musician Lauren Spencer-Smith. We’ve got something for everyone! Our main goal is joy, and we give it and receive it every time we play!
This dedicated group practices twice a week and performs about two concerts a month. We are performing 19 concerts from April to December this year, including every Berwick on Vancouver Island, and Beach Days at Qualicum Beach, from Campbell River to Victoria! At the end of October, we are performing a show with the Bluebirds Choir at Berwick Parksville! Lots of fun!
In May, Kelly, Berwick CEO, came for a site visit on a day that the band happened to be rehearsing. She couldn’t believe how amazing the band was and said she wanted to rent a big bus so that the whole band could travel to Victoria to perform. Laurel said – we would love to, but we’re booking into October right now! Yesterday, we had an absolutely incredible day travelling to Victoria in style, and performing two shows. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!
Set list:
- Hound Dog (Elvis Presley) 1956
- Singin’ In The Rain (Gene Kelly) 1929
- Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor) 1982
- Save the Bones for Henry Jones (Nat King Cole) 1947
- All You Need Is Love (The Beatles) 1967
- At the Hop (Danny & the Juniors) 1958
- Leaving on a Jet Plane (John Denver) 1966
- Shake It Off (Taylor Swift) 2014
- I Walk The Line (Johnny Cash) 1956
- Old Time Rock & Roll (Bob Seger) 1979
- Chattanooga Choo Choo (Glenn Miller Band) 1941
- That Part (Lauren Spencer-Smith) 2023
- Show Me the Way to Go Home (Andrews Sisters) 1925