SUBMITTED STORY
I started by taking a ukulele class at Mount Wachusett Community College. I had missed the first session but since I was a former guitar player, the instructor said to come to the second session anyway. I loved it!! As the classes came to an end I thought – is this it?!
I took the contact info of the instructor and people in the class. With the help of Denise MacAloney, the former Westminster Town Clerk, we were able to secure time at the Senior Center to try an open strum with these contacts.
We needed more people. We approached the instructor to run evening and morning introductory sessions at the Senior Center. Some seniors wanted to sign up, for the lessons but were not able to pay for the lessons, let alone purchase a ukulele.
We tried posting a note on Facebook for people who may have ukuleles gathering dust at home, asking them to consider donating them to the center. Next we approached the Westminster Cultural Council with a grant application to purchase a few ukuleles and pay for half the cost of the instructor. When the grant was approved, we slowly started to grow.
We approached the Senior Center to put a note inviting people who may want to just sing with us. We were then invited to sing a few songs at the Senior Center Christmas party and slowly word got out.
I tell everyone, when they enter our room, you’re entering a no judgment zone. We are all there to have fun. Word of mouth has brought in beginner players from around the area. Aside from Westminster residents, some come from Gardner, Ashburnham, Hubbardston, Princeton, Winchendon, Templeton, Sterling, Clinton, Lancaster and Worcester. Now through word of mouth we are invited to play for other senior centers and assisted living facilities. We love sharing the fun.
Music is a great way to connect people. Music awakens the soul. My mother was in a nursing home and for her last year or so she entered into a non-verbal state of dementia. I brought in my uke one day and started to sing to her, in her native language. She came alive and we knew she was in there! Music can be magical.
Do you have a ukulele collecting dust, that you’re willing to donate? We can always use more! Are you interested in finding out more, or joining the Westminster Strummers? Contact the Westminster Senior Center (978) 874-7402.
THIS STORY SUBMITTED BY: Jo Grant
