Video of YMCA Dec 7 2013 show

Hi All

I have uploaded the latest performance video to YouTube (third time's the charm). Thanks to all who played. It was great fun. Carol of the Bells, Kerfunten Jig, Puttin' on the Ritz

Another angle on the action and a link to Warren's playlist!

Getting songs ready for December!

Hi Ensemblers

In anticipation of the YMCA talent showcase in early December, we should brush up on last years "Sleigh Ride" arrangement. It was a little rusty last time we played, but with a few hours of concentrated practice, I am sure it will be up to speed. M suggested checking out Carol of the Bells arrangement in 4 parts! Yes, you read it correctly... 4 parts. There is a part one and part two, and chords and Baritone DGBE. Click here to hear the MP3 get the tabs. The individual parts look pretty simple, so if you like it, I am sure we could get it ready for December. I have a baritone tuned to DGBE, so we have at least one bari that can do that part. Ode To Joy is another favorite that would work for the Y. If you have other songs to suggest, feel free to mention them, and we will check them out. Next meeting is November 5, so in these next weeks, think about what we are playing, and which songs should be in our core repertoire. We should really have a good number of performance-ready songs so we can take full advantage of unexpected performance opportunities. I think the minimum should be 20 minutes worth of songs that we can comfortably perform. Instrumentals should be the bulk for now, but if you suggest a song with a vocal, it needs to be one where the vocal(s) is as practiced and developed as the instrumental parts.

New files for Star Spangled Banner

Hi Venice BBQ Ensemblers

In the song downloads, I have added an audio file to practice to, since our rehearsal time is limited before this performance. I had the metronome set to 73 bpm, and there are some ritardondos and pauses, so we need to get familiar with how to handle that when playing live.

A new pdf of the tab is included, this one has a few changes from the last one.

• An intro has been added. What do you think... do we need it, or should we annouce the song?

• Cm7 chords have been removed (they just sounded off). Any suggestions for other options are welcome. For now, we just stay on Bb.

• Melody tab has different fingering for the left hand, minimizing the movement up and down the neck. Some people will perfer the other version, but it's your choice... do whatever is most comfortable for you.

We could do some creative strumming for the grand ending, so give that some thought.

See you at Warren's on the 28th, and at the bonus meeting at the Coffee Connection on the 30th.

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is coming....

I know that many of us have tickets to see the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain this April. They will be at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts April 7th, and at Campbell Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara on April 9th. I for one, will be bringing my autograph uke, and figure I should learn the audience participation piece Relentlessly in C. If you want to join in too, check out the link to the tabs, notes and audio clips click here. Should be fun!