Shenandoah Bike JMUke Event

Summary:

Teacher will open by demonstrating basic skills to enable JMUke goers to play
the ukulele and participate in our jam session. Those leading the JMUke event
will go over basic chords that will each break off into smaller groups of
newcomers to go over the new chords that will be used later in the event. Most of
our songs chords will be on our shirts and easily referenced. For the few chords
that are not on our shirts that the newcomers will have to learn can be referenced
in the slides before we begin the jam. (All of the chords will also be introduced,
informally, before we begin each song.) Once those leading the event feel the
participants have reached a comfort/proficiency level that enables them to be
active in the jam session (or 6:30 comes around) JMUke leaders will transition
into the jam session. There are 13 songs prepared for this time, with fingering
charts and color coded chord names, along with lyrics, that will help keep the
audience engaged while also assisting their continued learning throughout the
event.

Rationale:

The ukulele is an instrument that lends itself to many different ability levels. It is a
good introductory instrument for those who are just looking to have a good time,
and it can be as enthralling as you make it if you choose to continue on in
learning how to master it. This jam session is a way to disguise music learning in
a way that is fun and inviting for those who may not think they are musically
inclined. This time is meant to be a good time for any and everybody that decides
to join while also bridging the gap between the JMU bubble and the Harrisonburg
community, offering opportunities for students to give back to the community and
for the community to learn more about us as well. Music is not just notes on a
page, it has the ability to reach so many people, and this event is one way to
begin to take advantage of that.

I Can Statements:

1. I can play some basic chords/partial chords on the ukulele

VA SOL:
MG.11 The student will read and interpret music and tablature while performing
music of varying styles and levels of difficulty.

Materials:

1. Microphone (at least one) and speakers

Process:

1. Leaders will arrive an hour before the event begins to set up for the event
1. Leaders will have the slides available for themselves and the
participants on laptops as well incase of technical difficulties
b. Once the event starts, JMUke leaders will break up into small groups with
participants to teach the basic chords that will be used throughout the
event.
1. Leaders will assist those they are working with to make sure they
have correct fingerings and finger placements
b. After 20-30 minutes, leaders will transition into the official jam session
c. Leaders will have the slides ready on their computers so that they can
easily be transitioned through.
1. The group will play through the 13 songs

Assessment:

Because this is supposed to be a more low key event, one that is for fun and
welcoming to all, there is not much need for a formal assessment. As leaders we
should be looking around to make sure no one is struggling to hard with the
chords, and if they are we can offer suggestions to help them feel more
successful in the event. If there is something that needs to be changed on the
end of the leaders it is on us to be flexible and go with the flow and the demands
of those participating.
Adaptations:

1. If there are younger children, JMUke leaders can control the fingerings
while the child strums (this way they are still involved with music creating).
2. If someone need the slides larger we can work to have a projector up and
working.
3. If someone is sensitive to loud sounds we can turn down the microphone

4. volume and not use the piano if necessary.

5. If someone cant read the slides we can call out chords as they come so
all can still participate.