The ukulele was introduced in Togher N.S. last year and was an enormous success. The ukulele is a perfect introduction to stringed instruments as basic ukulele skills can be learned fairly easily. Many of the children at Togher N.S. have now got their own ukuleles and are busy working on the cords of their own favourite songs.

In recent weeks the ukulele has been introduced to Togher N.S. and has proved to be an enormous success. The ukulele is commonly associated with music from Hawaii. The instrument is based on several small, guitar-like instruments of Portuguese origin first developed in the 1880s. The ukulele is a perfect introduction to stringed instruments as basic ukulele skills can be learned fairly easily. After the 1960s, the ukulele declined in popularity until the late 1990s, when interest in the instrument reawakened. This highly portable, relatively inexpensive instrument has become hugely popular again. All-time best-selling Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole helped repopularize the instrument, in particular with his 1993 reggae-rhythmed medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,”. Many of the children at Togher N.S. have now got their own ukuleles and are busy working on the cords of their own favourite songs (some teachers are also busy strumming away with the children) This week a base guitar was introduced to the lesson and our children explored how different instruments work together.

We were delighted to welcome Adrian Boyle to Togher N.S. again. During his last visit Adrian introduced the children to hand drumming with a selection of drums from Asia and Africa.  For this lesson Adrian helped the children develop and improve their drumming skills and they were soon producing an impressive drum beat.