UkestraSA 2026 Spring Workshops and Concert

Two streams of instrumental ukulele workshops, followed by an afternoon concert. Choose one workshop from each session.  Concert admission is included for all workshop participants. Our teachers will be Dr Chris Waite (Stream A) and Todd Monaghan (Stream B).

SESSION 1: 1.00pm -2.15pm

Workshop 1A. Introduction to Ensemble Playing - participants will learn James Hill’s Symphonie Miniature which caters to beginners and beyond. There’s something for everyone in this 3-movement symphony for ukulele. Music notation and tab will be supplied on the day and we’ll work through exercises to help learn the piece. If you’ve wondered about playing in an ensemble but been worried that you can’t read music or tab then this is the workshop for you! And if you’re an experienced player, there’s plenty for you to work on too

OR

Workshop 1B Introduction to PIMA / Fingerpicking - participants will learn basic fingerpicking style and tab reading, to a classic Flamenco fingerpicking piece, Malagueña. This workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone who would like to try fingerpicking.  A wonderful opportunity to learn this solo arrangement. 

SESSION 2:  2.45pm -4.00pm 

Workshop 2A. Play It Like Iz - in this workshop we will learn the strum pattern, chords and melody for Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s classic ‘uke version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World. This workshop is suitable for anyone who can play C, F, G, Am, and E7 chords and wants to have fun!

OR

Workshop 2B. La Vie en rose – in this workshop we will learn each of the parts of an arrangement for La Vie en rose, the signature song of the French singer Edith Piaf and recorded by many others. This workshop is another opportunity to experience playing in an ensemble, with melody, harmony and chord rhythm parts, written to suit differing levels of instrumental ukulele player.  Have fun learning this beautiful piece.

SESSION 3: 4.30pm - 5.30pm

CONCERT featuring UKESTRASA and supported by other SA Ukulele Ensembles  – all workshop participants may attend the concert at no cost.  Friends, families and supporters may purchase concert tickets.