Ukulele's are fast becoming the instrument of choice in many schools. I have taught Ukulele at Grafton House in Ashton for roughly 3 years. When I first aired the idea of Ukulele instead of guitar I had a few raised eyebrows and George Formby jokes. Now I have 12 - 13 pupils (20% of the school) playing and singing with Soprano Ukulele's every week.

The Ukulele Gymkhana was born out of this; I wanted something for them to aim towards that was fun and in the spirit of the Ukulele. Everyone loves receiving a rosette ribbon so I started there. Gymkhana means a place where a sporting event takes place to test skill. So I theorized that yes we do meet together and we test our skill and as the song says 'two out of three ain't bad.'

So the Ukulele Gymkhana was born. We have a different colour rosette for a song with 1, 2, 3, 4 chords in etc... and we achieve the ribbon if we can sing and play the song with skill and enjoyment.

Beginners: 1 chord = White Rosette ; 2 chords = Orange Rosette ; 3 chords = Yellow Rosette

Intermediate: 4 chords = Green Rosette ; 5 chords = Blue Rosette ; 6 chords = Purple Rosette

Advanced: 7 chords = Red Rosette ; 8 chords = Cream Rosette ; 9 chords = Black Rosette

Due to the huge popularity I am now offering lessons at the shop on a Monday

Beginners (1 to 3 chords) 3.45pm

Intermediate (4 to 6 chords) 4.15pm

Advanced (7 to 9 chords) 4.45pm

Lesson £5 per half hour

Venue: Music Corner Limited

17 Melbourne Street: Stalybridge: Cheshire: SK15 2JE

Telephone : 0161 303 9966 : Email : chris@musiccorner.co.uk

Please note Mrs Caton-Greasley (CRB checked) is available to bring the Ukulele Gymkhana to your primary school in 10 session blocks. Ukulele's will be required. Please call 0781 3398977 or email chris@musiccorner.co.uk for details.