The Ukuleles Are Coming!

CB Band Director Mr. Maslen is starting a brand new club focused on one simple Hawaiian instrument.

The ukulele is a small instrument created around the 19th century and has always been one of the most prominent symbols of Hawaiian culture and has cult followings in Japan, Britain, and Canada. Christian Brothers is now looking to join the worldwide “uke” community.

CB Band Director Mr. Travis Maslen has owned multiple ukuleles and has been “playing for quite a while,” yet had never thought of bringing the Ukulele to Christian Brothers. It wasn’t until one of his students, Frank Huntington (’15), came to him with the concept of beginning a Ukulele club that the idea really took flight.

There are already 10 confirmed members of the club, but both Mr. Maslen and Hungtington have a firm belief in “the more, the merrier.” The club has a set list of songs that they will be learning this year which aren’t, by any means, stereotypical of the small Hawaiian instrument. The group will be learning pop songs like Weezer’s Island in the Sun, Guns n’ Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine, and One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful.

To prepare for the club, Mr. Maslen has purchased a bass Ukulele, one of the lesser known variations of the Ukulele (Frank can be seen holding the Bass Ukulele above).    There are only two requirements for joining the Ukulele club. The first is purchasing a good Ukulele, which according to Mr. Maslen, will cost about $80. The other requirement is that you keep in mind the main goal of the club: have fun.

If you are an experienced Ukulele player, a singer, a percussionist, or even someone who has never touched a Ukulele before in your life,the club would be glad to have you join them every Falcon Flex. For more information contact Mr. Maslen or Frank Huntington.