By Edna Ethington
Susan’s McCormick’s Spring Ukulele Class ended on June 13, 2019, with a Potluck and a Surprise Talent Show at the Artesia Community Center in Artesia. The ukulele class had fun playing their ukuleles and singing songs led by Susan and other class members. They were pleasantly surprised to see and hear the additional musical talents of fellow students, including a hula danced by Barbara Casey, a violin solo and flute solo by Shirley Hager, and a soprano saxophone solo by Elke Shen. Gloria Barrett played her guitar and sang a solo to the song, “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” Gloria also played a banjo as she accompanied the volunteer performance group “The G Strings,” as they played their ukuleles and sang Tin Pan Alley and Rock and Roll songs. Their music inspired two students to start dancing to their music at the back of the room!
Some students told humorous stories, and David Ethington read the emotional story of how the melody TAPS came to be. TAPS is the melody that a bugler plays at funerals for veterans. Listening to the story of TAPS, and the three verses of the poem, made everyone have a deeper respect and appreciation for all those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
The highlight of the day was the delicious potluck luncheon. Everyone enjoyed the variety of main dishes, salads and desserts they shared with each other. After lunch was over, the students started making plans to return in the Fall when Susan’s Fall ukulele classes will begin on September 12.
For those who would like to learn to sing and play Hawaiian songs, and oldies like Tin Pan Alley songs from the 1915-1930’s, or songs from the 50’s, holiday songs and current popular songs, come and join Susan McCormick’s Fall Intermediate Ukulele Class. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Artesia Community Center at 18750 Clarkdale in Artesia. The Fall Session is a 12-week session from September 12 to December 12 with a fee of $36.00. Students need to furnish their own ukulele and tuner. Students can look forward to a Holiday Potluck at the end of the 12-week Fall session.
For more information about the ukulele classes, contact the City of Artesia Recreation Department at 562-865-6262.
Photos and I.D. by Edna Ethington
1. Pictured, third from left, is Ukulele instructor Susan McCormick, getting ready to enjoy a Potluck lunch on the last day of her Ukulele Class at Artesia Community Center on June 13.
2. Pictured are members of “The G Strings,” who played their ukuleles and sang “Baby Face,” “Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby,” and “Oh, Boy,” by Buddy Holley, at the June 13, Ukulele Class. Left to right are, Dave McFarland, Gloria Barrett, Bernie Goldgorin, Norma Duffy and Lance Edwall.
3. Pictured dancing a hula to “Come, Become,” is Barbara Casey at the June 13 Ukulele Class.
4. Pictured playing her violin to “El Condora Pasa,” is Shirley Hager at the June 13 Ukulele Class.
5. Pictured playing her soprano saxophone is Elke Shen at the June 13 Ukulele Class.