Many members of the first Beginners Fall 2014 Ukulele Class are now members of the HillStrummers performing group who have enjoyed community singalongs the past two years. Courtesy/Ruth Lier

COMMUNITY News:

Have you ever wondered if you could play a simple musical instrument, but never had the chance? The Betty Ehart Senior Center is once again offering a unique opportunity for the Los Alamos community to explore and develop your potential musical skills via this newly-popular old-timey instrument—the Hawaiian ukulele.

Beginning Sept. 23, instructors Kathleen Galbraith and Fran Christiansen of Tierra Amarilla, will conduct 45-minute basic ukulele lessons for eight consecutive Friday mornings. Classes are held in the BESC downstairs classroom, and begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. A 45-minute “sing-and-strum session” for students continuing from prior semesters will follow the basic class, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Prior musical experience is not necessary, and lesson materials are provided, which are designed for serious beginners who have time in their personal schedule to practice for a minimum of 15 minutes per day between class sessions. Practice instruments are on loan from the instructors and may be checked out for the duration of the class. Students may check out these instruments for the duration of the class. A materials and travel reimbursement fee of $40 will be collected at the beginning of the third class meeting.

In order to ensure that personal attention can be given to each student, the class size will be limited. Ruth Lier is the local coordinator for this class and will provide further information and handle pre-registration. She can be reached at 505.662.7114, or rlier@juno.com. Hope to see you soon!