WESTFIELD-From the front window looking into Whip City Music on Monday night, a studious group of individuals were learning the basics of playing the ukulele.
Wes Parker, on left, is leading the newly formed Whip City Ukesters.
The participants – ranging in age from pre-teens to retired city residents – were eager to be a part of the new Whip City Ukesters, a brainchild of Doug Cotton, owner of Whip City Music.
“The ukulele is becoming extremely popular and as I continue to get involved with the arts downtown, I thought this group would be perfect for the ukulele enthusiast,” said Cotton prior to the start of the first session.
While Cotton is hosting the Whip City Ukesters in his shop on Elm Street, he has enlisted Wes Parker, who is teaching at Westfield State University, to lead the group.
“This is a great start to the group,” said Cotton, noting the 10 individuals who turned out for the first session. “I hope the group continues to grow over time.”
Kyle Bessette reviews chords with the new members of the Whip City Ukesters.
Cotton noted that the free ukulele players group is open to all ages and skill levels.
“It doesn’t matter whether you play soprano, concert, tenor, baritone or even 6-, 8- and 10-string ukuleles,” said Cotton, adding there are no fee or purchase requirements to participate.
The group will meet Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. For persons seeking to purchase a ukulele, Cotton also has a wide range of styles in price ranges starting at $39 for a small ukulele to larger sizes including ones made with exotic woods for $200.
All participants on Monday came with their ukulele in hand and eagerly supported each other. Members include Emily Harnish, Heather Wyman, Wayne Weatherwax, Jason Bilodeau, Apple Bottass, Leah Urbanski, Lauren Beaulieu, Cara Urbanski, Kyle Bessette and Andrew Renfro.
Jason Bilodeau and Andrew Renfro compared notes during the first meeting of the Whip City Ukesters.
Bessette of Blandford, a guitarist and self-taught ukulele player, assisted members with chord instruction prior to Parker explaining how to play the three songs chosen for the night – “Earth Angel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” and “With A Little Help From My Friends.”
Bilodeau, of Westfield, noted he wanted to join the group to “learn something new and learn the difference of each style of ukulele.”
Weatherwax, also of Westfield, echoed those sentiments.
“I own the instrument but I don’t know how to play it,” said Weatherwax. “I’m here to learn.”
Wayne Weatherwax intently looks at the sheet music before trying a chord.
For Wyman, she already belongs to the AEIOUkes of Northampton, however, living in Westfield is a plus for also joining this new group.
Harnish, who teaches voice lessons, said her drive to learn the ukulele will allow her to play while she is performing.
“The ukulele was gifted to my husband Jake in the late 1990’s,” said Harnish. “Now that I’m teaching voice lessons privately I’ll also use the ukulele to accompany the singing.”
Kyle Bessette gives instruction to Emily Harnish and Heather Wyman.
“This is a grassroots effort to start the group,” said Cotton, adding “We will be seeking input from all on how to ensure the group flourishes.”
For starters, three girls in the back row – Leah, Lauren and Cara – were eager for next week’s class, asking if future songs could include music by Queen and Journey.
For more information on the group, contact Cotton at Whip City Music, (413) 579-5495.
“This is my retirement gig,” said Cotton of his shop. “It’s a lot of fun and I hope this new group grows over time.”
Members of the newly formed Whip City Ukesters rehearse.
