Ukulele! Strumming through the Americas
Our ensemble expands to strings!
Introducing Ukulele! Strumming through the Americas, our newest ten-week program, which focuses on the ukulele and an exploration of music from across the Americas. Teaching Artist Juan Trujillo has created ten lesson packets (links to videos, written instructions, pictures, and sheet music) which are meant to accompany live lessons (in-person or remote) with a S’Cool Sounds Teaching Artist.
Over the course of ten lessons, students learn chords, strumming, songs from the Americas, and more. A perfect companion to Recorders without Borders and Alegría Musical: Latin American Stories, the course will introduce students to the ukulele, allowing classrooms to form ensembles and play songs together. The ukulele is the perfect instrument for students to start learning the basic principles of harmony and to become acquainted with song forms.
Video of the Week
Earlier this year, Teaching Artists Juan Manuel Trujillo and Hery Paz performed in a live-streamed concert from one of our favorite West Village Jazz clubs, Smalls. Enjoy!
Community Member Highlight: Washington Heights Choir School
Washington Heights Choir School (WHCS), a free after school program for music-loving, Washington Heights-area children, has partnered with S’Cool Sounds for ten years. S’Cool Sounds Teaching Artists travel to WHCS and work with their talented young students on recorder, ukulele, and percussion, creating lively instrumental ensembles. This programming complements the vocal curriculum that has always been WHCS’s mainstay.
Sam Westley, Executive Director at WHCS, writes, "S'Cool Sounds and their wonderful teaching artists are a highlight of our program, and much beloved by our students. We're so grateful to Nina, Mariana, and now Juan for sharing their artistry with us, and for ten years of partnership."
Susan Clearwater, a longtime supporter and volunteer at WHCS, writes, "S’Cool Sounds has provided WHCS with talented musicians who are also engaging teachers and often mentors to the program’s participants. Over the years, S’Cool Sounds varied offerings of recorder, ukulele, and percussion lessons have strengthened the WHCS program immeasurably. Watching the students gain proficiency with various instruments and their obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm as they progress has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for and appreciative of S’Cool Sounds collaboration with WHCS!
Thank you, WHCS, Susan, and Sam, for your ongoing support!