Easy-to-Follow Play-Along Videos for Brand New Ukulele Players

Having a creative outlet is crucial in normal times, but during a pandemic it’s absolutely essential. The ukulele is the perfect option for many of us— it’s great for adults and kids alike, it has a beautiful sound, and it’s a relatively easy instrument to get started on. Learning anything new takes some commitment, but I’ve done my best to make learning to play the ukulele as simple as possible…

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The Marching Song of the First Arkansas Colored Regiment — A Song for Juneteenth 2020

The song I’m sharing in honor of Juneteenth is an update to Julia Ward Howe’s Battle Hymn of the Republic. The Marching Song of the First Arkansas Colored Regiment was written by Lindley Miller, the captain of the regiment, in 1864. The song uses the same melody as Battle Hymn but comes from the perspective of the soldiers. And my goodness, it is powerful! As David Walls succinctly put it, “All in all, this song is one of the best outlines we have concerning the hopes and expectations of the black soldiers of that era.”

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Am I the Only One Not Feeling the New Year Vibes?

I remember January 2019 feeling spacious and chill, a calm after the Christmas storm. And I expected January 2020 to feel the same. This year felt promising— I was looking forward to turning 40 on January 6th and celebrating the start of a new decade.

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