Ukulele me crazy
Tiny instrument charms Mission residents
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Tiny buds of snow start to fall as the last fingers of light fade behind the horizon in the West. But as winter seems to blanket the town in cold stillness, behind warmly lit windows of the town library, curtained in condensation, the plucky beats of “You are my sunshine” and “Bring me sunshine” fight off the chilly night with tropical melodies.
“Our theme tonight is sunshine,” ukulele instructor Christine Lyon tells a group of more than 20 adults as they settle in a circle, ukuleles in hand, among books and magazines. Usually a library is a place of solitude and quiet, but tonight the atmosphere is upbeat as the ukulele jam session begins.
“If we were in Seattle, (this jam session) would be the equivalent of 7,000 or more people showing up,” jokes ukulele instructor Matthew Lyon, who along with his wife Christine has been teaching ukulele classes in St. Ignatius for three years. The class has attracted a number of interested people in the small town, with 13 budding musicians currently participating in the adult class and 12 more in the young adult class. Lyon had to turn away 10 more because both classes were filled. Tonight’s jam session features past and present ukulele students.
In fact, this small instrument recently has seen an increase in popularity worldwide, with several videos going viral on YouTube and groups popping up in major cities.
“I think the word’s been getting around,” Lyon said. “(The ukulele) is popular worldwide with people of all ages. We are the only group I know of in Western Montana.”
Initially, the Lyons thought about teaching the ukulele classes in Missoula, but thought the tiny tool might better serve small communities as a way for adults to socially interact while learning an instrument. Now many children of those adults want to take the class as well. The Lyons recently started offering a class for high school and college-aged students so they can explore songs by Lady Gaga and other popular artists. In fact, Matthew explained that just about any song can be played on the ukulele.
“If something is playable on the uke, it’s probably a good song,” Matthew added. “It’s the original iPod.”
“It’s just fun,” smiles ukulele player Connie Trudeau. “I have no musical talent. I can be in a bad mood and by the time I leave, I am smiling.”
One of the keys to the ukulele’s popularity is how easily one can learn to play in a short amount of time. The ukulele resembles a small guitar and features only four strings, which makes it portable and straightforward.
“It really is very simple: if you can count to four, you can play the ukulele,” said Matthew, who is well versed in several musical instruments.
“It’s the instant gratification, and it’s just so darn cute,” laughed Kristie Nerby, who is taking the class for the first time with her husband Bruce.
The Nerbys admit they often play their ukuleles at home, to the dismay of their children, but Kristie said the contagious appeal of the ukulele has struck once again and their teenage daughter would start taking classes next week.
“This is really where it’s happening — in small towns,” Matthew said of the ukulele’s popularity. “There will be a point when everyone in Mission will be playing the uke.”
