We decided to surprise Sebastian today with a ride on the “big train” to Claremont to go to the Folk Music Center where they were offering a session on ukulele for kids. I’ve always bemoaned my lack of musical ability and want to encourage Sebastian where I can as I feel that the ability to play some instrument would be beneficial in his life and he seems that he might share some of his mother’s aptitude at such endeavors. The class ended up having around twenty kids and the store provided the ukuleles for those without. Being the softies that we are we got there early and bought one for Sebastian in the hopes that he’d take to it. It really is a great instrument for kids as the size is ideal and the sound appeals to kids of all ages. The instructor was a kindergarten teacher which explains his extreme patience with the group. For an hour session he was able to introduce the basics of the instrument and get them started on 3 chords, enough to play a few songs, including my personal favorite “You Are My Sunshine”. Sebastian paid attention and enjoyed strumming even if the chord changes were a little beyond his abilities. Hell, they’re beyond my abilities! Still, they’re simple enough and with practice it won’t take long for him to improve. Anna-Marie is a seeming natural, however, and spent a little time upon our return home mastering the basic chords. It’s such a pleasant sounding instrument and the instructor took down email addresses and an informal survey to see if there was interest in an ongoing series of classes for the little ones. Here’s hoping that enough of us showed an interest and we can go again sometime!