BONITA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ELEMENTARY MUSIC: MS. BRIGHTBILL
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History of the Ukulele

When a group of Portuguese immigrants came to Hawaii in 1879, they brought an instrument called a braguinha with them.  The Hawaiians who heard them play the instrument were very impressed with the speed of the speed of the musicians' fingers as they danced across the fretboard that they called the instrument "ukulele", which means "jumping flea."  That was the image that was brought up by those flying fingers!
Complete a Google Form on this reading selection.

Parts of the Ukulele

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Complete a Google Form on the parts of the ukulele.

Strumming

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Strumming Patterns

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How to Read Chord Charts 
(not for lefties)

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C Major | red dot

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A minor (Am) | blue dot

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F Major | blue dots

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G Major

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Chord Combo Practice

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Done playing?
Watch:  "How to Make an Ukulele"

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Famous Ukulele Performances

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Play-Alongs with C, Am, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, Am

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Chords:  C, F, G7

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  Am, C, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, G

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​Chords:  C, F, G7

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Chords:  C, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, G

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Chords:  C, Am, F, G

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Chords:  C, F, Dm

Songs with More Chords

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Chords:  C, Am, F, G, Em

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​Chords:  Am, C, G, D

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Ukulele Performance Videos



Where can I buy a ukulele?

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I recommend this ADM 21" Economic Soprano Start pack from Amazon if you are looking for a good starter ukulele.  It comes in light blue, pink, black, light brown and dark brown and includes a bag, tuner, strings, strap, picks and a polishing cloth.  It's been on sale-  I paid $35 (on sale) for the ones I ordered for music classes.
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Students have also asked me about the ukulele I play.  I am enjoying playing the Lohanu Ukulele I also purchased here on Amazon.  
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If you plan to play regularly, I recommend upgrading to this clip-on tuner made by Korg.  Snark tuners are also a good choice.

Tuning the Ukulele

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