Waiau Elementary – Oahu, HI
February 02, 2010Music Is Good Medicine visited Waiau Elementary School, home of the “Dolphins,” located in Pearl City. Jake Shimabukuro came alongside Waiau Elementary School to support their mission to nurture and provide a foundation for their students by conducting a Ukulele workshop for about twenty fortunate students. The students had the opportunity to take lessons from Jake inside the school’s library.
Jake started off the tutorial by teaching the students simple Ukulele terms that were easy to understand. Then he taught the kids about frets, hand positioning, chords, and how to add creativity to each song. Jake even revealed his secret to strumming incredibly quickly.
Jake tested the students just like any good teacher would. He called on them to play a combination of numbers, which represented a certain chord. The students demonstrated their ability to learn quickly as they were able to play each chord Jake asked.
Later the students watched as Jake played a familiar tune entitled, “I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz. Jake showed students how to apply the theory he taught them, to a real song. He played “I’m Yours,” with different strumming patterns and creative picking. Jake even played the song with a ballad feel. The students were excited to see the different techniques showcased by Jake.
In closing Jake played a song entitled, “In My Life,” as the students sang along. When the workshop was over Jake, the students, and the staff gathered together to take pictures. Mahalo to Lahea Igarta for your organizing this workshop and for allowing MIGM to be a part of the whole event.
