Hi all, well Christmas preparations have really kicked in now. As those of us involved in other groups will know, Christmas songs are being dusted off again. It is amazing how each year we have to remind ourselves and even relearn how some of them go. Its made harder by the different interpretations groups place on them but this emphasises we are not clones and highlights our own respective styles. This though provides a great learning opportunity to adapt our playing rather than being locked into just one way.
Christmas Songs On the theme of our Christmas songs, our approach is a pragmatic one for this our first year. Our song list is taking shape with 8 to 10 songs probably being enough for a half hour set. so far we have the following songs either pretty much ok or just requiring tidying up:-
Deck The Halls, Santa Clause is Coming To Town, Frosty the Snowman, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Let it Snow, Jingle Bells.
We will try out Let It Snow in the key of C this week. Also, we can try out a Christmas Medley or two.
Reminder, please ensure you have the version of Frosty the Snowman that has the ending complete. The one from the book isn't complete for some reason.
Gigs, A big thank you to those who have been able to put their names down for our 3 gigs.
We can have a few more playing at the St James Christmas Fair if you are able to do it.
I have heard from the Gardening Society regarding the Gig on the 2nd December at Heswall Hall. They are happy for us to play a combination of Christmas songs and songs from our gig list. They have asked me to point out that parking at Heswall Hall is free after 6.30 pm.
Hug 2 The numbers signing up for the new starter group continues to grow. Our first get together is this Friday at 1.00pm. the aim initially is to agree how the group will operate and when it will meet. I will be stressing the need for the dreaded practice! As we all know learning to play beyond the basics takes time and practice. There is a general perception that it is quite easy to play ukulele but we all know it is easy to get started but becomes more challenging as you progress. It does help to keep the brain sharp though!
Bass Player you may know we no longer have a Bass player, a situation that is not really ideal as the Bass adds to the overall sound by providing the lower range. ukuleles are at the high end of the musical range so our sound benefits from the Bass. I have put out the word to see if there is a Bass player willing to join us. They need to join the U3a.
I have some possibilities for when we play gigs but someone joining us as a group member is the ideal. Let me know if you know someone who would be interested.
See you all Friday, can't wait to play some more Christmassy songs!
Dave
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