As far as I know, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (UOGB) is one of two main prototypes for ukulele orchestras/bands/ensembles in the world (the other being created by renowned ukulele educator J. Chalmers Doane in the Canadian educational system, under which James Hill received his initial training). The UOGB combines ukuleles, awesome musicianship, mediocre (voice of the people) singing, in amazing arrangements filled with humor and British deadpan. I was lucky enough to see them when they were on a world tour and happened to come to Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City (they were great). If you can’t go see them live, which is everyone at this moment of self-isolation, I have good news, especially since they’re not regular video posters, that they just released Ukulele Lockdown. Episode 1, Clip 1 : Higher and Higher.

While we wait for the next clip, enjoy some popular UOGB performances, beginning with the one that gives me chills (in a good way), ‘Medley’. I show this one to all my new students at my Ukulele Bootcamps:

Check out more from the UOGB at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ukulele+orchestra+of+great+britain. Thanks UOGB for your decades of awesomeness. You are an inspiration to me!


Ryan's favorite starter ukulele: The Enya Nova U Concert Ukulele 23” on Amazon sounds great, is easy to play, in tune and nearly indestructable. "I left it in the car through the heat of summer to see what would happen, and it still plays beautifully."

Post filed under All UkulelePlay! Blog Posts.

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