Strummin‘ Along, Singin’ a Song

In November 2019, the Tampa Bay New Horizons (TBNHB – see below) formed a Strum & Sing Ukulele Group under the direction of Candace Otte of the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society. The group met faithfully once a week to strum, sing, laugh, and have a great time. Having a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group is once again strummin’, singin’, and enjoying one another’s camaraderie.

The Strum & Sing Ukulele Group includes people of all skill levels: those who have only recently picked up the instrument to see if it is as much fun as it seems (it is); those who have “dabbled”; and a few members who are really quite good. However, all members agree: the ukulele is a wonderful way to keep the mind and spirits bright. After all, the ukulele is a happy instrument with its trademark jaunty “ping.” Plus, it is easy to learn!

Come try and find out for yourself! The group has extra ukuleles available for you to try, and you don’t have to be able to read music or have a prize-winning voice. Just arrive with a willingness to try and meet some new people while having a great time.

The Strum & Sing Ukulele Group meets every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. at The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center, located at 13345 Casey Road. A class for beginners is held from 11:15 a.m. to noon for anyone who wants to learn or review the basics before the group session.

Join the Band (even if you don’t play…yet.)

The Tampa Bay New Horizons Band (TBNHB) is a member of the New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA), with more than 250 community bands worldwide. NHIMA provides opportunities for adults to be involved in a band – whether for the very first time or the first time in a long time. Together we learn and perform in a friendly and positive atmosphere.

The TBNHB Instructional Band is a beginning band for community members who wish to get back into music-making or learn to play an instrument. The beginning band meets at 9 a.m. on Thursday mornings at The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Please bring your instrument and a music stand.

The TBNHB Concert Band meets directly after the beginning band from 10 a.m. until noon. The band currently has 28 members and is looking to grow. The TBNHB encourages all ages and abilities to join.

Pictured Above: The Strum & Sing Ukulele Group in 2019.

Special thanks to contributing author Sharon Danaher.