School Uke program

Ukecaster

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Our local elementary school (Grades 4-6) added a uke music program this year. My wife works there, and volunteered me to play for the 6th grade uke class soon. :eek: I'm emailing the music teacher now, asking what she would like for the session. Any ideas for some current pop songs that might be easy, fun & appropriate? I'm sure the kids would have more fun with those, rather than Tin Pan Alley ditties. Other ones that might work are Over the Rainbow, 3 Little Birds, maybe a seasonal holiday song.
 
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The basics of this ditty came to me as I was lying in bed at about 3am one morning - you're welcome to take it, to add a bit of fun.
Just add some simple chords to strum as you speak the words of each verse.

Ditty 8 - On The Farm

Down on the farm
Cockrels are a crowing
Hens are a laying

Sheep are grazing
Rams are ramming
Sheep are lambing

Cows are a chewing
Bulls are a bulling
Cows are calfing

Farmer's got a wife....
They've been at it
All their life

It pays the rent
Farming that is....
What do you think I meant!
 
I would probably consider a few things. Depending on the school and the kids, I might stick to non religious pieces and go with more seasonal pieces. Perhaps some fun folks songs. I am not sure what current pop might appeal to them or would be appropriate or playable. I might choose some older pop stuff, maybe 60's 70's, Beatles or other. Let us know what you decide on and what works out.
 
I would imagine they will give you about 15-20 minutes. During that time you will want them to get excited about playing the uke so I would play something that will grab their attention. That would be something that would sound great on the uke, fit your abilities well and shine. Only you could choose that.

Then, I would do fun songs that they probably would know and encourage them to sing along. Nothing gets kids more excited than participation and enthusiasm.
Remember that most kids are comfortable with the key of C.

Here are some great.

Your A Grand Old Flag/Yankee Doodle http://www.gulfweb.net/rlwalker/Pen...ety/music/Medley Old Flag & Yankee Doodle.pdf

You Are My Sunshine
http://www.doctoruke.com/youaremysunshine.pdf

Do Your Ears Hang Low
http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/summer-camp-songs/do_your_ears_hang_low.htm

Don't Worry, Be Happy (2 or 3 verses with Choruses)
https://www.azchords.com/b/bobbymcferrin-tabs-47731/dontworrybehappy-tabs-602992.html

I did this song with a group of kids. They hadn't ever heard it before but each time I came to the chorus they sang along and loved it!
Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road
http://www.scorpexuke.com/song-display.html?song=Dead_Skunk_In_The_Middle_Of_The_Road&id=799

And then if it's in December I would end with -

Rodolph The Red Nose Reindeer
http://www.alligatorboogaloo.com/uke/xmas/xmas_rudolph.html
 
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