Island Ukuleles A Group
Island Ukuleles A Group has been entertaining and having fun with audiences of all ages for almost 40 years with a diverse vocal and instrumental repertoire that ranges from traditional Hawaiian style music to jazz, swing, classical, pop and rock music.
Under the dynamic direction of music educator and leader, Tina Horwood, assisted by Matthew Martin, this group of auditioned 12 to 18 year old students come from 12 different middle and high schools in the Victoria area. They are an exceptional group of musicians and truly represent the good in young people and the best in our organization. They are talented performers and community contributors, and they love to entertain at home and abroad. Island Ukuleles brings many children together – from kindergarten to high school seniors – in an inspiring program through which older students mentor younger ones and all give back to the community-at-large through concerts performed in seniors' homes, hospitals, and community concerts.
In addition to doing local school tours which introduces this versatile instrument to thousands of young children each year, our “A” ensemble also undertakes an annual Concert Tour. During this trip the ensemble celebrates their accomplishments as well as furthers their growth, not only as young musicians, but also as young people learning the value of teamwork. After touring to California and Disneyland last year, the group is excited to be touring our very own beautiful Vancouver Island. The A Group will be traveling to Strathcona Park Lodge, Horne Lake Caves, Ucuelet, and Tofino. They are excited to rock climb, surf, kayak, whale watch, and participate in T'ashii Canoeing.
Over the years, the group has played in and toured Panama, California, Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Francisco, Hawaii, Cuba, Japan, Seattle, Portland, Calgary and the Rocky Mountains ...and even by request, at 30,000 feet for the passengers on a flight home from Hawaii! The group has performed at various large ukulele festivals and was the first ukulele ensemble to have ever played on the Disneyland stage.
Under the dynamic direction of music educator and leader, Tina Horwood, assisted by Matthew Martin, this group of auditioned 12 to 18 year old students come from 12 different middle and high schools in the Victoria area. They are an exceptional group of musicians and truly represent the good in young people and the best in our organization. They are talented performers and community contributors, and they love to entertain at home and abroad. Island Ukuleles brings many children together – from kindergarten to high school seniors – in an inspiring program through which older students mentor younger ones and all give back to the community-at-large through concerts performed in seniors' homes, hospitals, and community concerts.
In addition to doing local school tours which introduces this versatile instrument to thousands of young children each year, our “A” ensemble also undertakes an annual Concert Tour. During this trip the ensemble celebrates their accomplishments as well as furthers their growth, not only as young musicians, but also as young people learning the value of teamwork. After touring to California and Disneyland last year, the group is excited to be touring our very own beautiful Vancouver Island. The A Group will be traveling to Strathcona Park Lodge, Horne Lake Caves, Ucuelet, and Tofino. They are excited to rock climb, surf, kayak, whale watch, and participate in T'ashii Canoeing.
Over the years, the group has played in and toured Panama, California, Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Francisco, Hawaii, Cuba, Japan, Seattle, Portland, Calgary and the Rocky Mountains ...and even by request, at 30,000 feet for the passengers on a flight home from Hawaii! The group has performed at various large ukulele festivals and was the first ukulele ensemble to have ever played on the Disneyland stage.
Island Ukuleles Junior A Group
Developed as a bridge program between the B Group and the A Group, this intensive program brings students up to speed on the repertoire and skills required to become a part of the A Group. This program is jointly directed by Melissa McKnight and Janelle Hunt.
Island Ukuleles B Group
Formerly "A-2" and "A-3", the "B" program offers instruction to students in grades 3 through 8. The primary focus of this ensemble is to promote enjoyment and musical learning through fun and skills programs. Many of the skills acquired through the program can be transferred to any instrument later on. No audition is necessary.
Under the direction of Island Ukuleles alumnae, Jacqueline Czar, Sylvie Bernard, and Helena Budgell. We are pleased to also have Steven Cramaro, Elin John, and Emily McDermid on the B Group Teaching Staff.
The "B" program is divided into three groups: "B Gold Ensemble", "B Silver Crew" and "B Bronze Players". Each student will be working towards earning a bronze pin, silver pin, and gold pin through the completion of various skills. The "B" program also encourages students to develop personally and socially as they become members of a performance ensemble.
The students perform several concerts a year and also take part in a team-building event in the spring. Previous team building events have included overnight trips to the Space Centre in Vancouver, Strathcona Park outside of Campbell River, Camp Thunderbird, train trips, Ukefest in Campbell River, and other small day trips
Under the direction of Island Ukuleles alumnae, Jacqueline Czar, Sylvie Bernard, and Helena Budgell. We are pleased to also have Steven Cramaro, Elin John, and Emily McDermid on the B Group Teaching Staff.
The "B" program is divided into three groups: "B Gold Ensemble", "B Silver Crew" and "B Bronze Players". Each student will be working towards earning a bronze pin, silver pin, and gold pin through the completion of various skills. The "B" program also encourages students to develop personally and socially as they become members of a performance ensemble.
The students perform several concerts a year and also take part in a team-building event in the spring. Previous team building events have included overnight trips to the Space Centre in Vancouver, Strathcona Park outside of Campbell River, Camp Thunderbird, train trips, Ukefest in Campbell River, and other small day trips
Little Ukers
Imagine a program designed specifically for primary-aged students! "Little Ukers" offers children ages 5 through 8 the opportunity to try the ukulele in a fun and energetic setting. Students in this class are introduced to basic ukulele skills, music reading, and singing with an emphasis on fun!
Designed by Pacifica Ukes alumna, Melissa McKnight and under the leadership of "Island Ukuleles" graduates and certified teachers, the students work in both a large performance group and small work groups. "Little Ukers" is offered in two eight-week terms from October through December and January through March. To help maintain a very small teacher:student ratio and maximizes the potential for individual success, the class is limited to 20 kindergarten/grade 1 students and 16 grade 2/3 students.
Designed by Pacifica Ukes alumna, Melissa McKnight and under the leadership of "Island Ukuleles" graduates and certified teachers, the students work in both a large performance group and small work groups. "Little Ukers" is offered in two eight-week terms from October through December and January through March. To help maintain a very small teacher:student ratio and maximizes the potential for individual success, the class is limited to 20 kindergarten/grade 1 students and 16 grade 2/3 students.
Our Directors
* indicates SD61 Teacher
Tina Horwood*
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Matthew Martin*
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Melissa McKnight*
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Jacqueline Czar*
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Sylvie Bernard
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Helena Budgell*
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Janelle Hunt*
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Elin John*
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Patricia Horwood
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Steven Cramaro*
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Emily McDermid*
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