Subject: Re: [MK8] ukeleles

Thanks so much for replying! I love the info about growth as I am still
trying to pick a goal this year. I will check out this brand, where did
you find the best price? Robin in VA


On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 10:10 AM, M Stanley wrote:

> Mine is going well. I've been developing manipulatives and
> posters/flipcharts, etc., to make teaching well.
> I am about to develop a set of checklists so I can "show growth" for
> different skill levels.
> I have one special needs kid who is hauling butt and can play "When I'm
> gone" and "Silent Night" very nicely. Woo hoo.
> My emphasis on the singing with accompaniment, so EVERYTHING we do has a
> song attached.
> With first graders, for example, we learned a SM song with a chant part and
> accompanied ourselves on it AFTER we knew the vocal parts.
> My plan is to teach the songs first, then add the ukes. I'm digging into a
> lot of old songs that are classics....Buffalo Gals, Sandy Land, etc.
> I'm using the ukes to REALLY work on form, btw. And singing of course,
> and steady beat.
> I'm enjoying it.
> My strings are now staying in tune. But at the beginning I PULLED the
> strings up and stretched them every day for two weeks before tuning them.
> Pulled pretty hard too, and they settled down. They kept their basic tune
> all summer - but that's a long stretch to hold a tune, so I did have to
> retune, but it wasn't awful at all.
> I have Lanakai LI - 11 - the lower end model. They are just fine. I chose
> this brand partly because they come with Aquila strings which are highly
> recommended. Many other brands use lesser strings and the sound gets
> complained about. If you change your plinky strings to Aquilas, you may
> hear a big difference.
>
> Love these little babes.
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 6:50 AM, Robin Lavinder <
> robin.lavinder@frco.k12.va.us> wrote:
>
> > Good Morning List! I know we have discussed ukeleles before, but I was
> > wondering how it was going for those of you using them. What brand did
> you
> > buy? Are they holding their tune? Did you change the strings? I have a
> > cheap one and I've played around with it but I don't know if I can stand
> > the plinkyness! Funny since I can teach recorder all day and we know
> > that's not always a pretty sound! Anyway, I was thinking of asking for
> > boxtop funds to purchase some ukes, so any info would be appreciated!
> > Thanks, Robin in VA
> >
> > --
> > Robin Lavinder
> > Music Teacher: Lee Waid/Rocky Mount
> >