City ukulele band tunes up

THERE is a new band in Warwick but instead of pianos, bass guitars and saxophones this band play ukuleles.

Warwick’s ukulele band performing outside the town hall during this year’s Jumpers and Jazz Festival. Picture: Contributed

THERE is a new band in Warwick but instead of pianos, bass guitars and saxophones this band play ukuleles.

The ukulele is a small guitar like instrument that originated in Hawaii in the 19th century.

A year-and-a-half ago Grant Tilbrook from Pangea Music took it upon himself to start a ukulele band.

"I have been interested in uke for a while," he said.

"Most places have got one (a ukulele band) these days.

"I thought why can't there be one in Warwick."

Mr Tilbrook said he was teaching guitar at SOTE at the time.

"The ukulele is an easy instrument to teach," he said.

"The idea is to bring music to people and make it simple.

"There are four different sizes, which most people don't know."

There is the soprano which is the small standard size ukulele, the concert, the tenor and the baritone.

Mr Tilbrook said the baritone was just like a guitar without the two bass strings.

"Anyone interested in taking up the instrument should always talk to someone with some knowledge first to help them make the right choice," he said.

There are 12 members in the Warwick band and 20 in the Stanthorpe band.

"It is a lovely, funny little instrument," he said.

"You can play most things on it."

Mr Tilbrook said the band was open to new members.

"We meet at 6pm Monday nights at Pangea Music at Slade Hall," he said.

"It is a lovely night and everyone just helps each other out.

"It is $10 a session, which last for an hour-and-a-half."

The band is hoping to play at the Bony Mountain Music Festival this year.

For more information or to join the band call Grant Tilbrook on 4661 9474 or 0439347061.

Originally published as City ukulele band tunes up