Illustration by Vivian Le.by Calvin Tran, Staff Writer
Although there are over 70 clubs on campus, the only musical club that exist is the Ukulele Club at Fountain Valley High School. This club was created by Zachary Goldstein (’17) with the main purpose of teaching others how to play the ukulele. He was inspired by the fun he had with his friends while playing the instrument. Now, he wants to spread the goodness with others.
Goldstein has begun to teach many of his club members the fundamentals of a ukulele. He believes that musical instruments takes time to learn and each person that wants to learn it must go at their own pace. He is using a learning system where he breaks up members to form groups with members that have the same skill on the instrument. He began giving official classes on Oct. 7.
“We are teaching members by having groups of different experience and they learn at their own pace,” said Goldstein, president of the club.
What songs a member might learn in this club is completely up to their playing abilities. Goldstein tries to categorize members into groups with other members with the same amount of skill on the ukulele to allow all levels to grow.
“We teach different songs based on which group you’re in or if you’re a beginner they learn strumming patterns,” he said.
Goldstein not only welcomes the inexperienced, but also the members who don’t have a ukulele. He wants those interested in the instrument learn from the lessons and soon the Ukulele Club plans to fundraise more ukuleles for their members. With increase of support from his members, he plans to make sure that every member in his club is capable of playing the instrument.
At the end of the year, the Ukulele Club plans on having a concert where all their members can perform. This plan isn’t official yet but, it is one of the goals that the club has.
“Yes, we are planning on having a end of the year concert, but the details have not been solidified yet,” said Zachary.
The Ukulele club hopes to give a whole new experience that most people can’t find anywhere else. This club will allow members to embrace their musical side and improve their musical skills. With his passion to teach others and excitement for this club, Goldstein is anticipating to see where his club will take him.
