Hampshire County Council’s Chairman, Councillor Colin Davidovitz, has taken up the ukulele to encourage others to get behind the world record bid for the largest ukulele ensemble.
Councillor Davidovitz had his first ukulele lesson with Hampshire Music Service this week. He commented: “Considering this was the first time I have played a ukulele, I quickly picked up a couple of chords and found it fairly easy. I am committed to practising now, ready for the record bid on 18 July and I intend to be at the very least competent but I don’t think I’ll ever match George Formby’s talents.”
He added: “I hope that a lot more people will come along with their ukuleles too, including my colleagues in the County Council. If we are going to bid for the world record we will need to try to put on such a score that no-one can beat.”
The record attempt at Southampton Football Club is being led by the Hampshire Music Hub (a partnership led by Hampshire County Council’s Music Service).
Leading the record attempt will be Cbeebies’, Justin Fletcher MBE.
Jill Larner, Head of Hampshire Music Service, said: “Having the Chairman’s support for our ambition is tremendous. The response to our appeal for ukulele players to take part has been fantastic, but we really do need many more to join us if we are to have a good chance of strumming our way in to the record books.”
“We have been working with classes and groups all over Hampshire teaching them how to play the ukulele and this world record attempt is a marvellous motivation for learning and a great way to end the school year on a high note.”
The record of 2,134 participants in a ukulele ensemble, was set during the Leiland Grow Incorporated Ukulele Picnic at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Kanagawa, Japan in 2012.
Entry to the Hampshire’s event is £6 (£3 for concessions) with charges contributing to cover the cost of the venue hire. Tickets can be ordered from Hampshire Music Service on 023 8065 2037 or email music.service@hants.gov.uk