Cottonwood AZ (April 5, 2015) – E Komo Mai! E Kanikapila Kakou! Come! Let’s make some music together! Learn to play the `ukulele, a stringed instrument that originated in Hawaii in the late 1800’s and gained popularity in the US in the 1920s. In this beginner class, Kumu Hula (Hula Master) Kehau Chrisman from Hawaii will teach you chords and strumming techniques, no experience necessary. So, dust off that `ukulele you have stored away in your closet and come learn how to have fun playing it! If you don’t already own one, you can purchase an inexpensive one in your local music store or on the internet.
Chrisman, formerly of Hawaii and now a Cottonwood resident, trained in Hawaii for 17 years to reach the highest rank of Hula Master (similar to a PhD in Hula) following rigorous protocols taught by well-known and respected masters in Hawaii’s hula legacy. She first started teaching hula in Hawaii in 1997 and has been teaching hula, Hawaiian language, and `ukulele classes in Northern and Central Arizona since 2004. Her teaching methods include an integration of Hawaiian arts, language, and culture, just as her elders in this discipline taught her.
Students travel from Prescott, Flagstaff and throughout the Verde Valley to learn from Kumu. Here are some comments from current students: “it’s a lot of fun. Not only do you learn to play the ‘ukulele, you also learn some Hawaiian language and culture as well…a great experience,” “We’re so unbelievably fortunate to have someone of Kumu’s caliber and commitment to Hawaiian culture living and teaching in the Verde Valley,” “Come, see, and experience before you decide. It’s worth an evening to explore something that could become very meaningful to you.”
Beginner Hawaiian `Ukulele Class meets 4:00 – 5:00 PM for four Wednesdays starting April 15 at the Cottonwood Civic Center, 805 N Main St. Classes are progressive with each class building on the previous week and the cost of each class is $9.00. Participants should bring `ukulele, notepaper and a pen or pencil to class. Optional: `ukulele tuner, music sheet stand.
For more information, visit www.arizonahula.com, call Chrisman at (928) 639-4683, or email her at kumuhula@halauhulailima.com.