Out of the blue we occasionally get an email that floors us, and affirms that what we do is a good thing. Here are a few of them …

For our weekly ukestras

Hi Mark and  Jane

I just wanted to write a note to say how grateful I am to be part of your Uke group and what a huge amount of joy it brings me. I am probably like most people, we spend our days rushing around with kids and jobs and bills and health issues and it often feels so overwhelming, but then we step into that little bowling club and for a few hours nothing matters but strumming, lyrics, harmonies, and jokes with lovely people. It’s like meditation, but way more fun!

Thanks for teaching us music but more so teaching us to live in the moment 🙂

Dear Mark and Jane,

Thank you so much for the class on Saturday. I really enjoyed it. It was so lovely to have someone who was so encouraging. I have found in the past that people in the arts industries can sometimes have a very elitist view. In other words, I have found that those who have the talent seem to think that those of us who don’t have the talent have no right to play music. It was so lovely that you just encouraged people and that it was just about the enjoyment of it. I loved that a professional musician was ultimately giving the message that playing music and instruments is for everyone, not just those that are naturally talented at it. How I wish that I had come across a teacher like you when I was a child!

Thanks again, Helen

Testimonials for the online courses that we ran in 2020 (and in 2021 – a bit)

You all did a great job, so well organised and everyone enjoyed it and is appreciative of the fun and learning ……. Jonathan

The thing that worked well for me was the relatively small size of the class and the use of break out rooms with only four people – that makes it personal and a lot easier to ask questions or focus on one thing…….Alasdair

If you do anything like it again please remember me. I have improved so much and might even be getting the groove! ……….Tanya

As you know I really love the Improv sessions and am learning heaps and even practicing. So, obviously am VERY sad it’s coming to an end. Is there any possibility you might continue a bit longer please!  …… Di (a primary school uke teacher)

 I feel so blessed we have such teachers. You are all great, and because you come at each topic from a different perspective, we are getting a plethora of input and it’s truly amazing. I don’t think you realise how clever you are. ……. Cathy (actually a uke teacher herself)

Access to the resources, classes and other material is just fabulous so again thank you….. Helen

I know the amount of work that goes into such a lesson defies description but it seems you have so much prepared you could go til Christmas without needing extra work. I feel so blessed we have three teachers. You are all great, and because you come at each topic from a different perspective we are getting a plethora of input and it’s truly amazing. I don’t think you realise how clever you are.

Thank you Mark, Jane and John, it was a fantastic experience. It certainly was a greta course with a bit of stress thrown in (i.e. homework). I’ve gained such a lot through your teaching; techniques and confidence both!

An effusive email after a Ukestra’s gig

Hi Jane n Mark
Just wanted to say thank you for everything you do – my husband and friends, were so impressed with “our” performance and commented on your “presence” and obvious enthusiasm, which we know, actually drives the performance.

The beginners uke workshop was the best thing I did when I retired!!

Best Wishes Judy

For all ages……..

From ‘Myrtle’ (age 58) 

Dear Mark and Jane,
Just wanted to add a personal thank you for all you’ve done for me – and now for my big brother Godfrey (Moscomen). He started with Danielle in March and is really enjoying the uke. We’re so grateful to her for encouraging him. So picture last Saturday, here at Stratford, my 73 year old brother and me playing the uke together. The first time in our whole lives we’ve ever done such a thing. Godfrey has never learnt a musical instrument before and not shown any inclination to do so. I was thrilled when we played “Four Strong Winds” and “Sloop John B”. As Godfrey said, our darling Mother would be so happy looking down on us. So, again thank you for all you are doing for so many people. You touch us in ways you could not possibly have imagined. With much love and gratitude, Myrtle.xx

From Kristi (mother of Arlo, age 10) 

Hey Mark,

Brochure looks great. We are happy for Arlo to be in your pics. I’m so proud of how well he is doing. Thanks for introducing him to an instrument that is a conductor of friendship, love and peace.

A school speech by Lucinda, age 7.

I couldn’t believe it . . .

Mummy said “yes” you can come with me to ukulele tonight.

I straight away put on my happy face and ran and got my shoes on. I kissed daddy and Ruby goodnight and drove off in the dark with Mummy.

I couldn’t believe it . . .

I was in a room filled with people wearing funny hats and shirts. Even weirder, they were all holding tiny, four-stringed guitars. No, it wasn’t a dream.

I couldn’t believe it . . .

Mummy’s ukulele teacher, Mark, gave me my own ukulele to use. It was black with a beautiful golden dolphin.

I was so happy to be playing with my Mum and all her friends. I already knew most of the songs.

I couldn’t believe it . . .

Mark let me sing with Mummy into the microphone. We sang Banana Pancakes together, and everyone clapped.

It was a wonderful night. We all sang lots more songs until I put my hand up and asked “Mark, can we sing ‘Somebody that I used to know?’”

I couldn’t believe it . . .

He said yes and asked me to sing in the microphone AGAIN. Boy was I having a good time.

You know some people think the Ukulele is just a silly toy. They don’t know anything! The Ukulele is MAGIC. It can play every song in the world and can make everyone as happy as me and my Mum.

A poem, from the early days, by Dianne Pope

Ukestra moments

On the merits of playing music together

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the emails. I certainly enjoyed the other day and intend to continue attending. I very much enjoy making music but not so much on my own – the opportunity to play along with others is really great,
Kind regards, Annie

A first timer gets a mild shock at the Ukastle Ukestra
G’day Mark,
Thanks so much for the welcome on Tuesday, I really enjoyed it, although I did a lot of Z chord strumming. There was a small moment of panic when Betty’s bag tipped over and 2 spent twelve guage shotgun cartridges fell out. But she assures me they’re to go on her fingers when playing her washboard!  till then, Ben

A great activity to do with loved ones
We both really enjoy our Tuesday afternoons and also having a common interest (which has been lacking for us) George & Vera – LakeMacUkestra

I wish to express our thanks, not just for the great night, but for the pleasure you’ve brought into our girls’ lives. To be part of such a happy group, learning and enjoying yourself at the same time is wonderful, and they have a ball
Alva from Newcastle (age 80ish), talking about her daughter (Lizzie – age 50ish) and grand-daughter (Sarah – age 25ish) – Alva doesn’t play, but attended the Hunter Ukestras Christmas Party to watch her family.

Hi Mark just to say having a great fun time I think we have a new lease of life, Bill has researched so much, I kept saying just get anything until you know if you like it but he did not agree, so it the uke is something he has found that is giving great added value to his life and resurrected I believe a gift that was taken from him as a small child and again as a teenager, so here’s hoping we will be hanging around for many years, see you tomorrow with thanks

Valda McDonnagh

And a final one off quip from a regular ukestran who observed a narccy friend of hers enjoy the vibe:

You gave her joy for a moment. Or at least just took away some of her cynicism.