Ukulele Ensemble Details

* 25 4^th/5^th grade students (selected via audition and teacher recommendation)

* No membership fees

* Rehearsals are Tuesday mornings from 7:25AM- 8:15 AM in Mrs. Jackson’s music room.

* The first official rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 16^th.

* Practice clinics will be available the following Tuesday mornings before school: August 19^th and August 26^th.  (There will be no meeting Tuesday, September 2^nd.)

* Our classroom soprano ukuleles are provided for rehearsals and performances.  No rentals are provided for at-home practice. If preferred, students are welcome to bring personal ukuleles from home for performances and weekly rehearsals.

Selection and Retainment Requirements for Richland Ukulele Ensemble Members

*Works well with others and shows a consistent group work ethic

*Meets school behavioral standards

*Is respectful to school leadership, fellow students, and classroom materials

Audition Details

*Ukulele ensemble auditions will take place Tuesday, September 9^th (7:25 AM – 8:15 AM.)

 *A confirmation will be emailed to parents before the next school day.   Our first rehearsal will begin Tuesday, September 16^th (7:30 AM-8:15 AM) 

*Auditions will be organized into small groups of 6-8 students. Solos are strictly optional. 

*Audition materials will be updated and available on the Richland website under my teacher page (Mary Jackson -Music.). Please contact me via email if you are unable to find the link: jacksonm12@scsk12.org

Auditioning students are required to return the audition application and also the teacher recommendation form (both attached) to me, Mrs. Jackson.  Forms may be placed in my mailbox, given to me directly, or submitted via scan/email.

Auditions for the Rockin' Redhawk Ukulele Band (4th-5th grades) begin in late August!

The Rockin' Redhawks Ukulele Band is an auditioned group of 25 students from our 4th and 5th grade classes.  Ukulele band practice meets every week before school on Tuesdays from 7:25 AM - 8:15 AM.

TIPS FOR PURCHASING A UKULELE

At Richland Elementary, we have a classroom set of soprano ukuleles for music classes and ukulele clinics.

If you are interested in purchasing a ukulele for your child to practice at home, here are some pointers for purchasing a quality beginner instrument. 

1) Amazon purchases: carefully read reviews and return policies.  Be mindful, manufacturing standards can quickly change with lesser-known brands.  

2) Try to purchase a well-known brand.  Here are some suggestions for soprano ukuleles with approximate price points.  Larger concert and tenor-sized ukuleles add approximately $20 to the base-line price of soprano ukuleles.

3) Remember, the most important considerations for a beginner's instrument are: a pleasing tone quality, the instrument's ability to stay in tune, and durability.

Shopping Links

Makala Soprano Ukuleles  (variety of colors, stays in tune, pleasant tone, and durable.)

Link: Makala Soprano

Link: Makala Soprano Shark (West Music)

Link: Makala Soprano Shark (Amazon)

Link: Makala Soprano Dolphin (West Music)

Link: Makala Soprano Dolphin (Amazon)

More affordable options

Link: Amazon Hola Soprano (w/ padded bag & accessories) 

Link: Hola Soprano Uke with carrying sack and accessories

Link: Donner Concert Ukulele

Link: Westwood Soprano  This is the West Music Brand. Makala brand is more durable, but this instrument (Westwood) has a pleasing sound, stays in tune, and includes buttons for a strap. 

Affordable "Outdoor Style" Ukuleles

Link:Kala Waterman (around $45+)

Additional Quality Brands

Kala 

Cordoba

Ibanez

Fender

We welcome additional suggestions to add to this list!